💚 Chicago’s Green River: A St. Patrick’s Day Miracle 🍀

Every March, the Chicago River turns neon green – but how? 🤯 This quirky tradition, born from a plumbing mishap, now draws crowds worldwide. 🌍 💧 How Do They Do It? The story starts in 1962, when the Plumbers Union used fluorescent dye to track illegal sewage dumps. 🚽💥 But when the river turned emerald during St. Patrick’s Day (a huge deal in this Irish-American city), they had a lightbulb moment: “Let’s make this an annual thing!” 🎉 Fun Fact: The dye was originally fluorescent… until eco-warriors complained. Now, it’s a plant-based, biodegradable formula – safe for fishies and ducks! 🦆🌱 🌿 The “Dye”-ing Process Crew members in tiny boats pour 40 pounds of powder into the river. ⏳ Over 5 hours, the green spreads downstream, creating a surreal Irish-flag-toned waterway. 🍀 📸 Pro Tips for Spectators ✅ Best Spots: Michigan Avenue Bridge or Wacker Drive (prime riverside views). 🌉 Randolph Street Overpass (high-angle shots = 🔥). ✅ Timing: 10:00 AM: The dyeing begins! 🚤 11:30 AM: Peak green – perfect for photos! 📸 ❓ Wait, Is This Eco-Friendly? 100%! The dye’s veggie-based and vanishes after a day. 🌱 Chicago’s EPA gives it a thumbs-up. 👍 💬 Would You Go? Seen this IRL? Or is it on your bucket list? 🗺️ Drop a comment and let’s geek out over St. Paddy’s Day magic! 🍻 #ChicagoTraditions #StPatricksDay #GreenRiver #UrbanWonders 🌆