Elizabeth and Michel Dye the Chicago River Green

Ok, so we didn't really get to dye it.  Some guy in a tiny boat, with the help of his imaginary friend The Leprechaun, does that.  But we did get to see the river dyed a beautiful and festive Kelly green and experience a little of Chicago's famous St. Patrick's Day festivities.  These pictures do not adequately capture the creativity of some people's costumes: from tutus and shamrock headbands to medieval dresses with elf ears, people were decked out in their St. Paddy's finest!  If only I'd gotten a picture of the lime green Wookie boots...

Things You Might See in Chicago on St. Patrick's Day Weekend

 Parts of the river that you thought were supposed to be green that aren't.

 People bundled up because years that are warm on St. Paddy's are anomalies.

 Construction sites getting into the spirit.

 People lined up on the street waiting to get into a restaurant or bar for St. Patrick's Day brunch.  (That's a thing here, like Easter brunch in Texas.)

 

People dressed up in their finest Kelly green.

 Breathtaking views of the city...while still waiting at the wrong bridge.  

(Hint: It doesn't turn green down at LaSalle Street.)

 Crew teams getting into the spirit of the day.

 Party boats!

 Super cool police boats!

 More party boats...

 ...being followed by more police boats?

 The river finally starting to turn green!

 People lined up for blocks along the river and across the bridges to see the color change.

 Stand-up paddleboarders (Most of them were wearing wetsuits.)

 A leprechaun and his pot of gold  (This pic is larger so you can see the brilliance of their costumes.)

 People moving to better see the green part of the river.

 (We're both wearing green under our coats...don't worry!)

Green puppies and their green owners.

 Finally!  The part of the river dyed green!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!