It’s one of Chicago’s most iconic — and colorful — traditions, and it’s just around the corner. Here are 5 things to know about Chicago’s river dyeing.
One of Chicago's favorite traditions will take place next weekend, as the Chicago River will be dyed a brilliant shade of green as part of the city's St. Patrick's Day festivities.
The event will kick off a day of celebration in the city, which will also include a parade and parties all around the area.
Here's what you need to know about how to watch the event, and what else will take place.
When will the river dyeing take place?
This year, the Chicago River will be dyed green beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 15, according to city officials.
Where can you watch it?
If you’re heading to the city for the big event, the best places to watch are from Upper Wacker Drive, or from one of the bridges spanning the Chicago River, according to Choose Chicago.
Local
Revelers will not be permitted to watch from the Chicago Riverwalk, as the walk along the river will be closed for the event.
For those who will not be in the city, NBC Chicago will stream the event live on its website and mobile app, as well as the station’s 24/7 Chicago News Streaming Channel and its YouTube channel.
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Telemundo Chicago will also stream the event on its website and its app.
When did the tradition begin?
The story began in 1961 when Stephen Bailey, the business manager of the Chicago Plumbers Local 130 union, was approached by a plumber whose overalls had been dyed a remarkably brilliant shade of green.
According to the story, the dye used to detect leaks in the sewer system along the Chicago River turned the water green, and the idea was born to dye the river green in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.
Each year, the Journeyman Plumbers Local 130 heads out on boats onto the Chicago River and pours an orange concoction into the water. In a seeming blink of an eye, the dye turns from orange to green, and the water maintains that brilliant hue for the iconic holiday.
How long does the river stay green?
The water in the river will retain its brilliant green color for several days, including on St. Patrick’s Day on March 17.
The water retains a shade of green for a while after the initial dyeing takes place, slowly fading over time.
What follows the river dyeing?
The 70th annual Chicago St. Patrick’s Day parade will take place on Columbus Drive between Balbo Drive and Monroe Drive shortly after the river is dyed green, according to officials.
The parade steps off at noon, and lasts for several hours.
