Chicago dyeing river green for St. Patrick’s Day without fanfare

WGN Staff

4 years ago

A modern day miracle occurs each year as part of the St. Patrick's Day Parade celebration when the Chicago River turns an incredible shade of Irish green. For over 40 years, the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers turn the Chicago River green for the St. Patrick's Day Parade celebration. Most people do not know that this is a privately funded operation, which gets more expensive each year.

CHICAGO (WGN) — The City of Chicago will be dyeing the Chicago River green on Saturday to honor its long standing St. Patrick’s Day tradition, but this year, there will be no crowd gathered to watch.

Before the pandemic, thousands would gather to watch the Chicago Plumbers Union Local 130 dye the river bright green. However, to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the city did not publicize this year’s event.

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Dyeing the river green has been a tradition since 1962.

The dye formula is a “closely guarded secret” but members assure that it’s been tested and is safe for the environment.

There will not be a St. Patrick’s Day Parade this year.