Chicago River dyed in honor of St. Patrick's Day on March 12, 2022.
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DOWNTOWN — St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Chicago kicked off with the river being dyed green early Saturday.
The river is bright green between Columbus Drive and Orleans Street. The effect typically lasts for several days and is the city’s traditional kickoff to St. Patrick’s Day, with thousands of people lining Downtown bridges and the riverwalk to see the river change hues.
Many turned out Saturday morning, despite below-freezing cold. They donned shamrock leggings and green hats — though some also buried themselves under blankets to try to keep warm amid the festivities.
Dyeing the river is a longtime tradition. It started in 1962 by representatives of the Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130. It’s happened almost every year since then, though the display disappeared in 2020 due to the pandemic. It made a surprise reappearance in 2021.
Photographer Kathleen Hinkel got photos of the festivities.
See the river dyeing:
Chicago River dyed in honor of St. Patrick’s Day on March 12, 2022.Chicago River dyed in honor of St. Patrick’s Day on March 12, 2022.Chicago River dyed in honor of St. Patrick’s Day on March 12, 2022.Chicago River dyed in honor of St. Patrick’s Day on March 12, 2022.Chicago River dyed in honor of St. Patrick’s Day on March 12, 2022.Chicago River dyed in honor of St. Patrick’s Day on March 12, 2022.Chicago River dyed in honor of St. Patrick’s Day on March 12, 2022.Crowds watch as the Chicago River dyed in honor of St. Patrick’s Day on March 12, 2022.27-year-old George Rodriguez sells hats as the Chicago River dyed in honor of St. Patrick’s Day on March 12, 2022.33-year-old James Williams playes a recorder as the Chicago River dyed in honor of St. Patrick’s Day on March 12, 2022.Crowds watch as the Chicago River dyed in honor of St. Patrick’s Day on March 12, 2022.Temperatures were in the teens as the Chicago River dyed in honor of St. Patrick’s Day on March 12, 2022. Robby Jacob, 29, and Shannon Lynn, 31, were in town from South Florida to watch the river be dyed and celebrate Lynn’s 32nd birthday, which is on St. Patrick’s day with their friend, Melissa Simpson, 38, of Oak Forest.
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