Politics & Government

Plumbers Union Local 130 Won't Dye Chicago River Green Saturday

Plumbers Union Local 130 will not carry out the annual St. Patrick's Day tradition of dying the Chicago River Green.

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The Chicago River won't be dyed green this year due to concerns about the new coronavirus.
The Chicago River won't be dyed green this year due to concerns about the new coronavirus. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

CHICAGO — Plumbers Union Local 130 will not dye the Chicago River green Saturday due to concerns about the new coronavirus.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot tweeted "St. Patrick's Day Weekend events have been postponed as part of precautionary measures to protect health and safety."

No make up dates for parades or the river dyeing ceremony have been announced.

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Chicago has dyed the river green and held a St. Patrick's Day parade downtown since 1962. The South Side Irish Parade started in 1979, was cancelled in 2009 after 54 people were arrested and returned three years later.

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