This weekend is a big one for the citizens of Chicago as the city will host its annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and dyeing of the Chicago River on Saturday March 12.

The dyeing of the Chicago River green for St. Patrick’s Day has been a tradition for over 50 years. The tradition of dyeing the 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. The dyeing is scheduled for 9 am can be best viewed from the East side of the Michigan Avenue bridge, the West side of the Columbus Drive bridge or upper and lower Wacker Drive between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive.

The parade starts at Balbo and Columbus and will step off at noon. The parade units will proceed north on Columbus Drive and the viewing stand will be located in front of Buckingham Fountain.

If you are headed into the city for some Paddy’s Day fun this weekend, fill up at Chicago Waffles with our homemade corned beef hash or an Irish Beny!