How does the Chicago River turn green for St. Patrick’s Day?
CHICAGO — Ever wonder how the Chicago River gets that rich, Emerald shade of green every year around St. Patrick’s Day?
The tradition started in 1962 when a plumber used an orange dye to detect pollution in the river and noticed it turned his overalls green. They then used it to dye the river — and the tradition was born, according to Secret Chicago.
The Plumber’s Union, which sends out dozens of their trusty plumbers into the Chicago River, dumps 40 pounds of orange powder which turns green in the water.
Chose Chicago says the environmentally-friendly dye remains a closely kept secret.
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