Chicago Celebrates St. Patrick’s Day by Dyeing the River Green

Every year, Chicago transforms its famous river into a brilliant shade of emerald green to celebrate St.

locationChicago

Patrick’s Day.

This unique tradition, which has lasted for over 60 years, began in the early 1960s when the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union used dye to track illegal sewage.

orgChicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union

Today, on the Saturday before St.

Patrick’s Day, union members use two boats to spread a secret, vegetable-based, eco-friendly powder into the Chicago River.

locationChicago River

While some environmental groups worry the event makes the river seem like an artificial prop, the city continues the practice to honor its strong Irish heritage.

otherIrish

Managed by the same union families for generations, the dyeing has become a cherished hallmark of Chicago’s identity.

locationChicago

If you are in the city, make sure to head to the Riverwalk or Upper Wacker Drive around 10:00 a.m. to catch this unforgettable, bright green view of the city.

locationRiverwalk

locationUpper Wacker Drive

🎉

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Comprehension Questions

How did the tradition of dyeing the river begin?

It was originally a protest organized by local artists.

Plumbers used dye to locate illegal sewage discharges and noticed the color change.

The city wanted to hide pollution in the river permanently.

Reveal Answer

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Correct Choice

Plumbers used dye to locate illegal sewage discharges and noticed the color change.

What kind of substance is used to color the water today?

A harsh, chemical-based blue paint.

A secret, environmentally friendly, vegetable-based powder.

Natural seaweed extract collected from Lake Michigan.

Reveal Answer

✓

Correct Choice

A secret, environmentally friendly, vegetable-based powder.

Who is responsible for executing the river dyeing event?

A team of local environmental scientists.

The Chicago Department of Tourism.

The Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130.

Reveal Answer

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Correct Choice

The Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130.

What is one criticism mentioned regarding the tradition?

Some worry it portrays the river as an artificial canvas rather than a natural ecosystem.

The color lasts for too long and damages the riverbed.

The dye is actually toxic to local fish populations.

Reveal Answer

✓

Correct Choice

Some worry it portrays the river as an artificial canvas rather than a natural ecosystem.

When does the Chicago River dyeing usually take place?

On St. Patrick's Day, March 17th, at midnight.

On the Saturday before St. Patrick's Day.

The first Monday of every March.

Reveal Answer

✓

Correct Choice

On the Saturday before St. Patrick's Day.

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