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Members of the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130 UA dye the Chicago River green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the Loop, Saturday, March 16, 2024. Pat Nabong/Sun-Times Share Get The tradition returns this year thanks to the Chicago group that has been dyeing the river green in celebration of St. Patrick's Day for decades By Grace Erwin • Published March 3, 2025 The history of St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago goes back more than 175 years. Now a longstanding tradition, Chicago’s Irish parade was first held in 1843. The dyeing of the Chicago River was added in 1962, quickly becoming one of Chicago’s most famous events. Irish step dancers participate in the St. Patrick's Day parade on March 17, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. Tens of thousands took advantage of record high temperatures and sunny weather to attend the 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. One of the most colorful Chicago traditions is on the horizon: The 2025 Chicago River Dyeing in honor of St. Patrick's Day. The legendary event, which dates back more than 60 years, takes place In honor of St. Patrick's Day! The tradition was started in 1962 when members of the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union were feeling festive and decided to dump 100 pounds of dye into the water. CHICAGO (WLS) -- St. Patrick's Day celebrations will take place this weekend in Chicago. The iconic dyeing of the Chicago River is expected at 10 a.m. Saturday. ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Chicago’s famous green river for St. Patrick’s Day started with a simple idea in the 1960s, formulated by the head of the Plumbers’ Union Local 130. “Stephen M. Bailey had the idea when The Chicago River is dyed green in honor of St. Patrick's Day by the Chicago Plumbers Union on March 12, 2022. John J. Kim, Chicago Tribune On St. Paddy’s Day 2024, five of Happel’s tagged fish were hanging out in the Riverwalk section of the river when motorboats began dispersing dye into the water. Nothing happened. Per Happel’s observations, there were no changes in behavior that would indicate the fish were in any way aggravated by the dye. Chicago Goes Green: St. Patrick's Day in Chicago St. Patrick's Day in Chicago is memorable experience for Chicagoans as well as visitors. You will be surprised that St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated throughout the city every year. Main attractions are green river and parade. You will have great time experiencing vibrant parade and viewer’s favorite event of dyeing of the Chicago River. Truth Old St. Patrick’s Catholic Church located at 700 W Adams Street in Chicago will be holding their annual St. Patrick’s Day party on Saturday, March 15 from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Old St. Pat’s Campus, 625 W. Adams (Entrance on Des Plaines St. between Adams & Jackson). Archer Avenue St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Saturday, March 15 Chicago Water Taxi begins its seasonal service Saturday. Bagpipers play during the Downtown St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 11, 2023 in Chicago. (Shanna Madison/Chicago Tribune) LondonHouse Chicago. LondonHouse Chicago will once again host one of the city’s most exclusive St. Patrick’s Day celebrations on Saturday, March 15, 2025. Guests will enjoy a front-row view of the iconic Green River Dyeing in Chicago from its LH Rooftop and LH on 21 indoor lounges. One of the most colorful Chicago traditions is on the horizon: The 2025 Chicago River Dyeing in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. The legendary event, which dates back more than 60 years, takes place A River North staple for lunch, happy hour, nightlife & gaming takes FUN to a whole new level this St. Patrick's Day in Chicago. Enjoy a spacious and high-energy event (steps from the river) with a morning drink and buffet kickoff package at Highline. Saturday, March 15th * Doors Open at 8am Come join us for St. Paddy’s day as we paddle the emerald water for the annual dying of the Chicago River! 1220 W. Le Moyne St. Chicago, IL 60642. Phone: +1 Find tickets & information for Urban Kayaks St Paddys Day Chicago River Kayak Tour w/ Food and Drink. happening at Urban Kayaks on the Chicago River, Chicago, IL on Sat, 15 Mar, 2025 at 09:30 am. One of the city’s favorite traditions is the dyeing of the Chicago River in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.The dyeing always occurs the Saturday before the holiday (except when March 17 falls on a
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