Chicago St. Pat's Parade 2011 Is Daley's Last; Salute with a Green River
The annual Chicago St. Pat's parade is an unusual mix of dyeing a river green, marching bands and an opportunity for the city's politicians (no matter their heritage) to get their name before the crowds.
But this year's parade brings with it a bit of sadness as it marks the last parade appearance for Mayor Richard M. Daley and his wife, Maggie. Mayor Daley's term ends in May and the couple will serve as the Grand Marshals of the 2011 parade. Rahm Emanuel, the city's mayor-elect, will also walk the route.
Parade executives expect attendance numbers to swell well beyond the estimated 350,000 viewers as Chicagoans line the route to see Daley. Founded 56 years ago, the Chicago St. Pat's parade is sponsored by the Plumbers Local Union 130. They are also responsible for the long tradition of dyeing the Chicago River green. Originally used to test for illegal dumping, the plumbers in 1960 thought the emerald green, environmentally friendly dye could be used as a St. Patrick's Day draw.
Thus, the tradition began.
“Mayor Richard J. Daley (father of the current mayor) thought, 'Hey, we have something here' and it took off,” said parade organizer Kevin Sherlock. “Other cities have since tried it but they've not been able to master the technique. So the river dyeing is unique to our city.” Sherlock said that the “secret” powder that has been tested by the Environmental Protection Agency as well as other agencies, dissipates into the water system after three to four hours.
An estimated 40,000 people line up along the river each year and bridges each year to watch as members of the union disperse the green powder, watching the waterway turn from a murky gray to bright green. The dyeing this year begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 12, between the Columbus and Wabash Avenue bridges. Sherlock said the plumber's union foots the bill for the dyeing, adding that the dye costs $1,300.
The parade follows promptly at noon, kicking off at Balbo and Columbus drives, proceeding north on Columbus with the viewing stand located in front of Buckingham Fountain. Sherlock said more than 30,000 people will be participating in the parade that includes 25 marching bands from as far away as Georgia and Tennessee, floats and other entertainment acts.
HelloChicago Tip: An important fact to remember: the parade is never cancelled.So come rain or shine, sleet or snow, in Chicago, the St. Patrick's Day parade is always a go (so come prepared).
Posted on Mar 10, 2011 by Lori Rotenberk
