It is that time of year again for those who live on the Southside of Chicago (or in Chicago in general). You know what day I’m talking about. The one day out of the year where public drunkeness is encouraged and all can get their drink on.
That’s right, the Southside Irish Parade!
It was moved up this year due to the fact that the Sunday before St. Patrick’s Day (when the parade is usually held) is Palm Sunday this year. Although I think it would be hilarious to go to church to recieve your palms for the day and then go out and get completely trashed at a parade. Or even better, go to the parade, get wasted and then attend church. Oh how the hilarity would ensue.
I love this parade, it’s like the Mardi Gras of Chicago. I can’t wait.
You have to love the annual coloring of the river too!
Sorry, I really love it when they dye the river.
Seeing that photo of the river reminds me very much of that scene from The Fugitive.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Same river, I can’t remember whether or not it was green in The Fugitive.
Green water isn’t odd…I grew up on Lake Erie (Michigan side) and it was always a funny color!
Nope, not odd…just fun becuase it is bright green.
that looks/sounds like fun.
Oh, it is.
I’m almost afraid to ask what they use and exactly how much they use to make it that color. Is it dangerous to the fish and other aquatic life? Can’t imagine anyone would eat anything out of that river, though. The Potomac River in DC frequently has bodies, weapons, and toxic items pulled out… maybe dumping a little green color in their would make it better for everyone.
They use a hell of a lot of food coloring, this way it only lasts the day (they used to use dye that would leave the river green for days) and it has absolutely no toxic effects on the fish or the ecosystem (the same kind of food coloring that we use in our food). As for eating anything that comes out of it, they don’t allow fishing from the river, but it runs right into Lake Michigan, and quite frankly I think that’s a little dodgy. We have a special dumping ground for bodies, weapons and such out here too; it just isn’t the Chicago River.
I am glad to see you responded to Pammy Girl today, as I was going to inquire if you got really, really drunk and fell into the green river. I think it’s gorgeous! I wish they would dye the ocean blue in NJ.
No, not drunk yet. Sunday is the day of happy public drunkeness. And there is no risk of me falling into the green river because the parade isn’t downtown. I’ll be safe as long as I don’t get crazy and jump in front of a float.
I was completly thrilled to see that they actually dye a river for st. Patricks day. I love Holidays… I swear i will move there just to witness it.
It is pretty cool to watch. I’ve only actually seen them do it once, but it was cool.