In an effort to limit the crowds during St. Patrick’s Day weekend as a precautionary measure due to Covid-19, city officials in Chicago have not announced plans to continue their long tradition of tinting the Chicago River green to mark the holiday.
But in a surprise ad on Twitter on Saturday, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said the city was “able to honor the longstanding tradition. “
“Happy St. Patrick’s Day Weekend, Chicago!” she said. “Although we did not meet, we were able to honor the longstanding tradition of tinting the Chicago River green, thanks to the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers. If you are leaving today, be sure to protect yourself and stay tuned.”
Chicago Plumber’s Union surprised residents on Saturday morning when teams sailed across the river in boats, leaving traces of green paint 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 spokesman for Plumbers Union Local 130 said there were no plans to dye the river this year, NBC Chicago reported.
St. Patrick’s Day parades in Chicago were canceled for the second consecutive year in March due to the Covid-19 pandemic, city officials announced last month.
But the city is working with organizers and communities to find new ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in a safe way, in line with public health guidelines, according to Lightfoot’s office.
For example, organizers of the 2021 Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Chicago’s South Side said they “will not be making their traditional march down Western Avenue,” NBC Chicago reported. Instead, they plan to hold a “Shamrock Our Blocks” event, a home decor contest.
Local authorities are asking residents to continue to follow public health guidelines and to avoid large meetings. They also warn that anyone who may be hosting or celebrating St. Patrick’s Day must follow the appropriate guidelines.
Residential meetings are limited to groups of a maximum of ten people and restrictions on business remain in effect.
“St. Patrick’s Day is one of the best times of the year in Chicago, but as we enter the second year of this pandemic, our celebration should be different from normal years, ”said Rosa Escareno, commissioner for the city’s Department of Business and Consumer Protection, in a statement.
“We have to be diligent and commit to the regulations that keep our community safe. I hope that our business will rise to the occasion this weekend, as they did during the pandemic, but we will be prepared to take enforcement measures if necessary”, said Escareno.
