St. Patrick’s Day Is Around the Corner and Chicago Is Getting Ready For It!
The Chicago River will be dyed this Saturday, March 16th although the official holiday takes place on March 17th. According to the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local 130, they will start dying the river at 10 a.m. to celebrate this fun and exciting holiday. The city also conducts this tradition in representation of the St. Patrick’s Day spirit. Also for the city to essentially enjoy it and have a good time. Turning the river a bright emerald green is one of the most iconic and colorful traditions that the city offers every year.
A whole lot happens on St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago apart from the green river there is also parades in different communities across the Chicagoland area, food and drinks specials, and more. Overall, this holiday is a very fun experience regardless if people are Irish or not. Also a very interesting fact is that this particular holiday has taken the waters of several other rivers across the United States. However, the green Chicago River remains to be the most famous of all yet.
History of the Iconic St. Patrick’s Day Green River
The tradition of dying the river green traces all the way back to 1962, that year is when it was first seen dyed. This year is going to mark the 62nd year anniversary. Now, going a little more back in history, in 1961, Stephen Bailey, he was the business manager of the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local 130, he noticed some bright-green marks on a plumber’s white overall. These green spots were what inspired the idea of dying the river green, especially because the green was a perfect Irish green. Those stains that he saw were caused by a green plumber’s dye. Interestingly, that specific dye was originally used to detect leaks in order to clean up the river’s waterfront areas. Ultimately, that is the first dye that was first used to essentially turn the river another color.
The green dye was used back when Richard J. Daley was mayor in 1955. He is the one that wanted to identify where the sewage in the water was coming from. Therefore, he used the green dye for this issue. Later, in 1962, it when the Plumbers Local Union decided to use a total of 100 pounds of that dye in the river for St. Patrick’s Day and during that time it stayed like that for a week. Daley also then wanted to use the green dye to also change the color of a section of Lake Michigan. However, he was then convinced that it was better off to keep it in a more manageable body of water which was the Chicago River.
Is the Green Dye Safe for the Ecosystem?
Fun fact, according to Diario AS, “the dye itself is not actually green. It is orange but reacts with the water to turn it green.” Now the actual recipe as to what ingredients or chemicals it has has always been a secret. According to Choose Chicago, “their environmentally friendly formula remains a closely kept secret.” However, it is known that back then, it wasn’t as safe as it is now.
Back then, it was more oil-based which meant that it was not safe for animals, people and the overall environment. Now, it is a more vegetable-based, food-grade formula, meaning that is it biodegradable and eco-friendly. It is known that know the dye lasts about 5 hours now in the river before it returns back to it’s normal state.
The Downtown Parade
Moreover, like mentioned above there will be exciting parades across the Chicagoland area and one of the firsts one this year will be the one in downtown. This particular St. Patrick’s Day parade will begin at 12:15 p.m. at the corner of Balbo and Columbus drives. It will go north to Monroe Street. Now, in terms of how people will enter to the parade, according to Fox32 Chicago, “entry to the parade route opens at 10 a.m. at Jackson Avenue and Ida B. Wells Drive. This is the only entry point for parade spectators. The 2024 Grand Marshal is Peter O’Brien, Sr., president and CEO of MADO Management LP.”
Also O’Brien will be going in with a guest of honor, this guest will be Patrick Kennedy Forum. Not to mention, there will also be the Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band, they are the ones that have been leading the procession since 1956.
The South Side Parade
There will also be a parade in the South Side. According to Fox32 Chicago, they will held their 46th parade this Sunday, on the exact St. Patrick’s day. This parade will start at noon until 3 p.m. It’s going to begin at 103rd Street and Western Avenue, marching South to 115th Street.
It is expected for dozens of people to attend. There will also be plenty of Irish music and dance for people to enjoy. Also for this year Beverly native named Mary Kate Barron as the 2024 South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade Queen. She grew up watching the South Side Parade, and now she is very excited to be the St. Patrick’s Parade Queen. She stated, “My Irish heritage has shaped me to be the woman I am today and am honored to represent the South Side St. Patrick’s Day Parade as the 2024 Queen, I look forward to the opportunity to give back and represent my family, the Irish community and the South Side of Chicago.”
The Northwest Side Parade
Last but certainly not least, the Northwest Side will also host their Irish Parade. This one is going to start at noon. It will begin at William J. Onahan School and then it will proceed South specifically on Neola Avenue to Northwest Highway. From the Northwest Highway it will go North to Harlem Avenue.
The Northwest Side Parade has been a tradition now for 20 years. Now, for this one the end time is not disclosed because it is very likely for there to be an after party where it is expected to have corned beef and cabbage dinner, with this there will also be refreshments, and live entertainment.
Written by Jeanette Sanchez
Sources:
NBC Chicago: Don’t miss it! Chicago River to be dyed green this weekend for St. Patrick’s Day
FOX32 Chicago: St. Patrick’s Day 2024: Chicago prepares for green river dyeing, parades
Parade: Color Us Surprised! Learn Exactly How the Chicago River Turns Green for St. Patrick’s Day
Diario AS: Why does the city of Chicago dye it’s river green? How long does the color last?
Enjoy Illinois: The History of Chicago River Dyeing
Featured Image Courtesy of SHYCITYNikon Flickr Page-Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of frankieleon Flickr Page-Creative Commons License
