Maestro Muse

 

One icon of the Irish holiday is the Leprechaun.  The original Irish name for these figures of folklore is "lobaircin" meaning "small-bodied fellow". Belief in leprechauns probably stems from Celtic belief in fairies, tiny men and women who could use their magical powers to serve good or evil.  In Celtic folktales, leprechauns were cranky souls responsible for mending the shoes of the other fairies.

Though only minor figures in Celtic folklore, leprechauns were known for their trickery which they often used to protect their much-fabled treasure.  Leprechauns have their own holiday on May 13, but are also celebrated on St. Patrick's Day with many dressing up as cute leprechauns.

It only takes two small motorboats to dye the river looping back and forth between Wabash Avenue and Columbus Drive.  The larger of the two carries a crew of four who pour the powder into the water with flour sifters.  The smaller boat, which ferries two people, helps to disperse the powder.  It takes 45 minutes for the green color to reach its full vibrancy!  The eco-friendly vegetable-based powder (the recipe is a secret) is orange until it hits the water.  This keeps the river green for most of the day.  et voila! or there you are!

Turning the Chicago River green for St. Patrick's Day first began in 1962, one year after Savannah GA tried to dye their river green but did not succeed.  Mayor Richard J. Daley suggested that the city find a way to turn Lake Michigan green for St. Patrick's Day.  According to the Chicago Tribune, the business manager of the Chicago Plumbers Union, Stephen M. Baily came up with the idea of dying the river with a solution that was used for identifiying pollution and had the happy side effect of creating green streaks.

The Chicago River is perhaps the most well-known river dyed n St. Patrick's Day and for good reason considering over 400,000 onlookers emerge each year to witness the river's emerald green makeover!  The river was turned green this year on Saturday, March 13th. 

Other cities beside Jamestown NY (Chadakoin River) who dye their rivers green are as follows:

San Antonio Texas

Savannah Georgia

Indianapolis Indiana

Charlotte NC

Tampa Florida

Washington DC

Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Chautauqua Lake Pops!

Pat Locke

Maestro Muse