Is the Chicago River Dyed Green?

Patrick's Day in surprise move from the city. "Although we didn't gather, we were able to honor long-standing tradition by dyeing the Chicago River green," Mayor Lori Lightfoot tweeted Saturday.

Is Chicago dyeing the river green?

Patrick's Day. Since 1962, the dyeing of the river has been a tradition, started by representatives of Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130. The dyeing takes place between Columbus Drive and State Street and usually keeps the normally murky river bright, Kelly green for a couple of days.

Why did they dye the Chicago River green?

The traditional dyeing of the river dates back to 1962. According to The Chicago Sun-Times, the tradition started because plumbers used green dye to keep track of pollution and where it seeped into the river.