Downtown Chicago looked like a sea of green, or more precisely a river of green, on Saturday as crowds gathered for the city\u2019s annual St. Patrick\u2019s Day weekend festivities.<\/p>\n
Just before 10 a.m., boats from Shoreline Sightseeing carrying members of the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130 sprayed bright green dye into the Chicago River, continuing a decades-old tradition that draws thousands of spectators each year.<\/p>\n
People of all ages lined the bridges and the sidewalks along the sides of the river, taking photos and playing Irish music as boats made repeated passes along the water.<\/p>\n
\nPhotos: Chicago River dyed green for St. Patrick\u2019s Day<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Leslie Moore, 43, was one of many tourists who wanted to celebrate St. Patrick\u2019s Day in Chicago, traveling from El Paso, Texas. Although she had visited the city before, she said seeing the river get dyed was the sole purpose of this trip.<\/p>\n
Dressed head to toe in bright green to match the water, she clapped and jumped up and down with excitement. She managed to squeeze toward the front of the crowd with help from strangers, graciously thanking each one of them.<\/p>\n
\u201cI love St. Patrick\u2019s Day, it\u2019s my favorite holiday,\u201d Moore said enthusiastically. \u201cI\u2019m Irish. I mean, not legally, but I have the spirit.\u201d<\/p>\n
Moore told those around her that seeing the river was a dream come true.<\/p>\n
As the boats moved between Columbus Drive and Orleans Street, the river grew brighter with each pass. Mayor Brandon Johnson waved from one of the boats before later joining fellow elected officials ahead of the city\u2019s St. Patrick\u2019s Day parade.<\/p>\n
After the river dyeing concluded, thousands flocked toward Grant Park for the downtown Chicago St. Patrick\u2019s Day Parade.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s parade theme was \u201cFaith, Peace and Unity,\u201d honoring Pope Leo XIV<\/a>, the first pope born in the United States and Chicago. The parade began at 12:15 p.m. at Balbo Drive and proceeded north on Columbus Drive to Monroe Street.<\/p>\n
Leading the procession were the parade\u2019s guests of honor, the Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band of Chicago, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.<\/p>\n