We're all Irish on St. Patrick's Day, the saying goes. But in Chicago, we're all Irish the weekend before -- when the Chicago River is dyed green.
Typically, the dyeing of the Chicago River by Local 130, the Chicago Plumbers Union, occurs the Saturday before St. Patrick's Day and coincides with the city's with the St. Patrick's Day Parade. And according to officials, this year will be no different.
According to organizers, the Chicago River will be dyed green beginning at 10 a.m. on Sat., Mar. 11, between State Street and Columbus Drive. And at 12:30 p.m., the St. Patrick's Day parade will step off.
As thousands of revelers prepare to come downtown, here's an insider's guide if you plan to go.
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Where to Watch The River Dyeing
While the river dyeing begins at 10 a.m., you may want to get to the river, between Columbus and State by 9 a.m. get your spot. According to the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local 130, the best views can be found on Upper Wacker Drive between Columbus and Fairbanks.
How to Get To There
As parking may be prove difficult, Metra is offering extra service on seven of its 11 lines Saturday morning for the event, along with additional Express trains.
While the cost of a Saturday pass is $7, if you're planning on taking the Rock Island Line Sunday to The South Side Irish Parade in Chicago's Morgan Park neighborhood, you may want to consider purchasing a $10 weekend pass.
The complete fare table listed here.
According to Metra, as Saturday is expected to be a busy passenger day, no bikes, backpacks or alcohol will be allowed on trains.
Road Closures
After the Chicago River dyeing, revelers can hop in a ride share or on CTA bus south to Grant Park, for the Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade, which steps off at 12:30 p.m., at Columbus and Balbo and heads north.
Drivers may want o reserve a parking spot ahead of time. To avoid a traffic headache, stick to DuSable Lake Shore Drive Saturday, or stay west of State Street, as road closures on Columbus will back traffic up through Grant Park near Buckingham Fountain.
Who Dyes the Chicago River Green and How?
The Chicago River dyeing is a tradition that dates back half a century, Choose Chicago says. Sparked by a suggestion from Chicago Plumbers Union, Local 130, the first river dyeing occurred in 1962.
The Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local 130 plumbers' union is still responsible for dyeing the river, and according to their website.
What is in the Green Dye?
The plumbers union, Choose Chicago says, "still holds the river-dyeing honors today." But you won't be able to find their recipe anywhere, the tale goes. "Their environmentally friendly dye formula remains a closely kept secret," the post continues.
