Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade and River Dyeing 2024!
Get Ready for the Green: don’t miss Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the magical green river dyeing on March 16, 2024! 🍀 #ChicagoStPats #GreenChicago
Chicago, Illinois – It’s time to go green again! The city’s famous St. Patrick’s Day parade is happening on Saturday, March 16, 2024, from 12 pm to 2 pm. Get ready for a spectacular show of floats, dancers, and marching bands near Lake Michigan. And don’t miss the magical moment when the Chicago River turns a bright Kelly green at 9 am, thanks to 100 pounds of dye. It’s a sight to behold!
The parade will start at Balbo and Columbus and move north on Columbus Drive, with the best views from in front of Buckingham Fountain. Remember to check the official website for any last-minute changes or updates.
This is all part of a vibrant tradition that paints the city green each year, bringing a community together in a celebration that transcends boundaries. It’s not just about the color; it’s about the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, a time when everyone, regardless of their background, can share in a moment of joy and unity.
The story of the Chicago River turning a brilliant shade of green is a tale of serendipity. It all began over fifty years ago, with a group of plumbers on a mission to trace sources of illegal pollution. They used fluorescein dye, a tool of their trade, never imagining the spectacle it would create. As the dye spread through the water, the river transformed, capturing the imagination of the city.
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The accidental discovery sparked a tradition that would endure for decades. The local plumbers’ union took the lead, sponsoring the event and turning it into an annual celebration. However, the use of fluorescein came to an end when the Environmental Protection Agency stepped in, citing the harm it caused to the river’s ecosystem. But the spirit of the tradition was too strong to be quelled. The parade committee adapted, switching to a vegetable-based dye, a secret formula that promised to be safe for the environment. Forty pounds of this powdered magic would turn the river into a flowing emerald ribbon, a sight to behold.
Yet, not everyone sees the river’s transformation through the same lens. The Friends of the Chicago River, an environmental organization, voices concerns. They argue that dyeing the river gives the impression that it’s lifeless and artificial. They believe the river should be treasured and cared for, not treated as a mere decoration for a holiday. Their perspective is a reminder of the delicate balance between tradition and environmental stewardship.
The tradition of dyeing the river green has even reached the highest echelons of power. In 2009, First Lady Michelle Obama, inspired by her hometown’s unique celebration, requested that the White House fountains be dyed green for St. Patrick’s Day. It was a gesture that connected the nation’s capital with the Windy City, a nod to a tradition that started with a simple accident.
The Chicago River, dyed green for St. Patrick’s Day, is more than just a spectacle. It’s a symbol of community, creativity, and the unexpected ways in which beauty can emerge. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most memorable traditions are born from the simplest of moments.
If you’re planning to join as a spectator, dress warmly if it’s cold, or bring sunglasses and sunscreen if it’s sunny. The parade will go on, come rain, shine, or snow. And a little tip: public transportation is your best bet to get there without a hassle.
For more information, you can visit their website here and Facebook page here. But remember, the Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner is already sold out, so make sure to plan your day accordingly!
🗣 Have you ever celebrated St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago? Have any fun traditions to celebrate the holiday? Let us know in the comments! ⬇️
