Publication: Chi Town Daily News
City Prepares for St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations
By Peggy O’Neil
City officials expect a crowd of 400,000 spectators flowing onto the streets of downtown Chicago for the St. Patrick’s Day festivities on Saturday, March 14 for Irish food, fun, and shenanigans.
Kicking off the annual celebration, the downtown St. Patrick’s Day Parade at noon will feature 35 marching bands, 22 bagpipe bands and 23 Irish dance troupes, said the parade organizer and Shamrock Club President, Michael O’Brien.
During the interview O’Brien mentioned several cultural events that will take place on Saturday “including the Chieftains Concert at the Symphony Center, Irish Film Festival at the Beverly Arts Center, and an Irish Catholic Mass at St. Cajetan Church on 112th and Artesian.”
As tradition goes, the Chicago River will be dyed emerald green on parade day. For forty years, the “greening” of the river from Michigan Avenue on the west and Columbus Drive on the east has been a highlight for many visitors. The Greater Chicago Convention and Visitor Bureau President Barbara Evens added, “Every year, curious visitors from as far as Ireland come to see the mysterious green water as it flows down the Chicago River.”
According to the Chicagoland Restaurant and Tavern Association, the wearing-of-the-green is the dress code at local Irish Pubs and Taverns. In anticipation of the annual celebration, the Association decorates the streets with banners on buildings and signs on street poles; all contributing to the Irish charm and party atmosphere.
Irish music, lively conversation, and Irish brew: both Guiness and Stout, are the center of the St. Patrick’s Day feast and celebration. Bowls of Irish stew, corned beef sandwiches and boxty potato cakes are the flavors of the day at more than 100 restaurants and bars in the Chicago area.
This weekend, soak in the local Irish heritage and culture with a friend. All eyes, not just Irish eyes, will be smiling.
