Over the weekend we hopped the "L" downtown to watch the traditional dying of the Chicago River green for St. Patrick's Day, something that has been taking place since 1961.
Steve & Amy with a GREEN Chicago River
The first coloring of the waterway happened by accident when a plumber used green dye to track a rouge waste line that was dumping sewage into the river.
Waiting for the train
The River... BEFORE the dye is added
After that point, however, it became a conscious tradition, privately funded and carried out by the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Union.
Boat adds dye to water
Video: Watch the river turn green!
Our friend Bryan wore his kilt
The weather was overcast and cold, but there was a festive atmosphere in the air. I'm sure a lot of those folks were helped by external libations.
Green River... what a good name for a soda!
In our case, 7-Eleven was handing out green Slurpees near the river. Nothing like a cold ice drink on a freezing, windy day!
Cops patrolling on emerald waters
River tours cut through the green
For all of the years I've lived in Chicago, I've never seen this take place live, so despite the cold conditions, it was pretty cool to see a Chicago tradition take place in person. However, we were quite happy to warm up afterwards!
