Chicago Journeymen Plumbers, Local 130, have turned the Chicago River into a bright green celebration of St. Patrick’s Day since the 1960s. This tradition continued Saturday ahead of the holiday next Tuesday.
At least one Leprechaun and jet skiiers joined boats for the dyeing celebration this year.
“One would ask how this is different from the rest of the year when the river is always a murky shade of green,” said Local 130. “The difference is both significant and breathtaking because the color green is identical to the greens of Ireland from where it got its name The Emerald Isle. And yes, all the men & women on the boats are ALL Chicago Plumbers!”
According to the union, they found that dye used to detect leaks turned the river into this perfect-for-St. Pat’s shade of green, almost like a magic trick.
Onlookers on Upper Wacker Drive between Columbus and Fairbanks get the best view of the green hue taking over the river. However, people can stop by the river for days to see it before it totally fades.
The Downtown St. Patrick’s Day Parade – one of the largest in the nation, according to Choose Chicago – will also march down Columbus Drive between Balbo Drive and Monroe Drive beginning at noon. The South Side St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held Sunday.