The annual Chicago Saint Patrick’s Day parade takes place on March 16th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. along the Chicago river. It is known as one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the country. The parade kicks off at 12:15 p.m. and people gather from all over to watch the bands perform, the dancers, and to eat Irish foods. 

Every year, there is a tradition to dye the Chicago River green for the parade. The green symbolizes the classic Saint Patrick’s day color and the process of dyeing the river is always done the Saturday before the actual Saint Patrick’s day. 

The dyeing begins at 10 a.m. and will occur for 45 minutes until the whole river turns green. Boats will carry the dye and pour around 50 pounds of it into the river to begin this procedure. The event is broadcasted all throughout homes in Illinois and many surround the entire river to watch it all happen. According to Time Out, the tradition began back in 1962 when citizens wanted to get “more festive” by dumping 100 pounds of dye into the river.

Fortunately, the parade is free to attend, but to get the best view of the parade, some will purchase a ticket for grandstand seating to watch without the overwhelming stress of the massive crowds. 

For students to get to the parade, many will ride the train up to Chicago. The parade begins very early so people will arrive right before the river dyeing and then get back on the next train home at around 4:00 p.m., right when the parade is coming to an end.  

“The St. Patrick’s day parade is an amazing tradition for the students at Lake Forest to enjoy,” said junior Lucas Kroner, “Everyone takes the train down together at around 9 a.m. and we all get to see the cool celebrations for the parade in the city.”

During this time of year, the weather is usually pretty cold so many will come dressed in warm, festive layers. This will include green colored vests, pants, tops, hats and more. People will also take the dress code to another level by wearing temporary Saint Patrick’s day tattoos on their faces or even dying their hair green for the day!

“When we arrive in the city, we always go to see the green river and seeing everyone wearing festive Saint Patrick’s day clothing makes it an even more fun environment to be in,” said junior Will Frentzas. He even says that he believes it to be “one of the best days of the year.”