Chicago River: From Grey to Green and Back Again
So, You Wanna See a Green River?
Let’s talk about one of Chicago's most iconic and bizarre traditions: dyeing the river green. It’s like someone decided to turn the Windy City into a giant, accidental guacamole bowl. Every year, on St. Patrick’s Day, the normally drab Chicago River transforms into a vibrant, emerald green spectacle. It’s a sight that's equal parts stunning and WTF.
But why, oh why, do they do it? Good question, hypothetical curious person. It’s all thanks to the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Union, Local 130, who started this kooky tradition way back in 1962. They decided the best way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day was to turn the river into a giant green beer float. Or something.
When Does This Green Magic Happen?
Now, the burning question: When exactly does this river dyeing extravaganza take place? Well, buckle up, because it's not a surprise party. The Chicago River gets its green makeover on St. Patrick’s Day morning. So, if you want to witness this aquatic metamorphosis, mark your calendar for March 17th. But don’t be late! The dyeing process is usually over pretty quickly, and you wouldn’t want to miss out on this liquid spectacle.
More Than Just a Pretty River
While the green river is undoubtedly the star of the show, it’s not the only thing happening on St. Patrick’s Day. There’s a whole parade, plenty of Irish pubs serving up green beer (though we’re not sure how that’s different from regular beer), and general merriment all around. So, if you’re feeling adventurous, why not plan a trip to Chicago for St. Patrick’s Day? Just remember to wear green, or you might get pinched.
How to Enjoy the Green River Spectacle
- How to get a good view: Find a spot along the riverwalk, preferably with a clear view of the dyeing area. Popular spots include the Riverwalk near Michigan Avenue and the North Avenue Bridge.
- How to capture the moment: Bring your camera or phone to capture the stunning transformation. Don’t forget to share your photos on social media with the hashtag #ChicagoRiverDye.
- How to celebrate afterwards: Enjoy the rest of St. Patrick’s Day festivities with Irish food, music, and drinks.
- How to avoid the crowds: If you're not a fan of large crowds, consider watching the dyeing on a livestream or visiting the river later in the day.
- How to appreciate the effort: Remember, it takes a lot of planning and coordination to dye the river green. So, give a shoutout to the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Union for their annual green masterpiece.