CHICAGO — The Chicago River is as soon as once more glowing kelly inexperienced as town opens its annual St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Hundreds lined the river and packed bridges Saturday and erupted in cheers as members of the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Union Native 130 sprayed dye into the water from boats, carrying on a practice they started some 63 years in the past.
The dyeing instantly precedes the annual downtown St. Patrick’s Day parade. The day — which falls on Monday this 12 months — celebrates Irish tradition. St. Patrick is the patron saint of Eire and is credited with having introduced Christianity there within the fifth century.
The dye is unhazardous. Whereas the river stays brilliant for a number of hours, some hint of shade can stay for days.
A second St. Patrick’s Day parade was scheduled for Sunday on Chicago’s South Facet.
