What's in the dye? How the Chicago River is dyed green for St. Patrick's Day

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As thousands head to downtown Chicago Saturday to watch the Chicago River be dyed green for St. Patrick's Day, many may be wondering what's exactly in the…

As thousands head to downtown Chicago Saturday to watch the Chicago River be dyed green for St. Patrick's Day, many may be wondering what's exactly in the mysterious dye that gives the river its bright emerald color.Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local 130Here's how they do it and a bit on the history behind one of the city's most recognizable traditions.

The story goes, in 1961, a man by the name of Stephen Bailey -- the business manager of the plumbers union -- was approached by"one of his plumbers who was wearing some white coveralls,". It was then the union says, that Bailey noticed the overalls had been stained or dyed with"a perfect shade of green," or"an Irish green to better describe it."

"If you were watching this for the first time you would think this is a mistake or a bad joke," the union said."You see the dye is orange, and its initial color on the surface of the river is orange, and you would think to yourself what 'heathen would do something like this.'"

 

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