In an effort to limit crowds during St. Patrick’s Day weekend as a precautionary measure due to Covid-19, Chicago city officials did not announce plans to continue their longstanding tradition of dyeing the Chicago River green to mark the holiday.
But in a surprise Twitter announcement Saturday, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said the city was “able to honor long-standing tradition.”
“Happy St. Patrick’s Day Weekend, Chicago!” she said. “Although we didn’t gather, we were able to honor long-standing tradition by dyeing the Chicago River green, thanks to the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers. If you’re heading out today, make sure to mask up and watch your distance.”
The Chicago Plumber’s Union surprised residents early Saturday morning as crews cruised through the river in boats, leaving trails of green dye along the way.
About 20 minutes later, the Chicago River was completely green, just in time for St. Patrick’s Day on Wednesday.
On Friday, a spokesperson for the Plumbers Union Local 130 said there were no plans to dye the river this year, NBC Chicago reported.
Chicago St. Patrick’s Day parades have been canceled for the second year in…
