CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The tradition of dyeing the Chicago River green arose by accident when plumbers used fluorescein dye to trace sources of illegal pollution discharges. The dyeing of the river is still sponsored by the local plumbers union. Now, 45 lbs of (safe) vegetable dye is used. These images are from Saturday morning, March 11, 2023.

Greening the Chicago River by Paul Sager, on Flickr


The green-colored water travels from the Chicago River to the Illinois River, onto the Mississippi, followed by the Gulf Stream and across the Atlantic until it enters the Irish Sea, “clearly marking the way from Chicago to Ireland.”

Greening the Chicago River


The formulation of the dye is a closely held secret. The original color is a reddish-orange tone that turns emerald green after mixing into the river water.

Greening the Chicago River


Although Chicago's St Patrick's Day parade started in 1956, the river dye tradition started later in 1961.

Greening the Chicago River


The EPA outlawed the use of fluorescein after it was shown to be harmful to the river.

Greening the Chicago River


The parade committee switched to a mix of powdered vegetable dye that is poured in from a boat.

Greening the Chicago River


More than 100 women from across Chicagoland competed to be named Queen of the St. Patrick's Day Parade. The contest is sponsored by Plumbers Local 130, the organizers of Chicago's downtown St. Patrick's Day Parade.

St Patrick's Day Court

13 Loc: I am only responsible to what I say..not what

More photos please!!!! Very nice shots!!!

Hereford Loc: Palm Coast, FL

Very nice green photos. I never knew this event was ever staged. Very interesting that this could be observed all the way to Ireland.

AndyT Loc: Hampstead, New Hampshire

I love all the crazies in the big boat. What is that about? Lottery? Anybody could go? Looks like fun.

charlienow Loc: Hershey, PA

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

Being married to an Irish woman, we will have the traditional corned beef and cabbage, soda bread, and Guinness stout. Our Bishop has given dispensation to have meat this day since a friday in lent falls on St Patrick's Day!

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Thanks Andy! The large boats are normally architecture tour boats. For the river greening, I don't know if tickets are open to the public as normal, or reserved for local dignitaries.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Thank you 13, Hereford, Andy, charlienow, Gary! My friend in the Shannon Rovers was assigned to Old St Pat's cathedral this year, where I had a chance for pictures of the parade queen and court.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

Nice shots, Paul.

Stephan G

Many years ago, I was told that the tickets are distributed in pots at the end of the rainbow. I was not able to find any ends of rainbows, even at the Irish neighborhoods in Chicago! I even considered having an Irish lass who tap-danced to help me. When she informed that I needed a shillelagh to tap on the top of of the pot, I kept getting lost looking for one. I still did not find the pots.

Great shots.



PS., A caution. The night of the snake run is in three days. On Paddy's day, no snake is allowed to be in the area.

W9OD Loc: Wisconsin

Interesting how they stir the soup!

MT native Loc: Big Sky Country — Montana

These are great images!

Earnest Botello Loc: Hockley, Texas

Great series, Paul.

junglejim1949 Loc: Sacramento,CA

I am glad to hear about the origin of this practice. Also like the idea of changing to the powdered vegetable dye.
Great photos and looks like a fun day. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

Great photos of this annual event. I never saw it, but remember hearing about it on the radio. I'd like to see pictures that maybe show that the colour actually ever arrives in Ireland!