In an effort to appease the crowd during St. Limiting Patrick’s Day weekend as a precaution due to Covid-19, Chicago city officials have not announced plans to continue their long-standing tradition of painting the Chicago River green to celebrate the holiday.
But in a surprise announcement on Twitter, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said the city ‘able to honor long tradition. “
“Happy St. Patrick’s Day Weekend, Chicago!” she said. “Although we did not get together, we were able to honor a long tradition by painting the Chicago River green, thanks to the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers. If you’re on your way today, make sure you explore your distance.”
The Chicago Plumber’s Union surprised residents early Saturday morning when crews sailed in boats across the river, leaving traces of green dye along the way.
About 20 minutes later, the Chicago River was completely green, just in time for St. Patrick’s Day on Wednesday.
A spokesman for the Plumbers Union Local 130 said Friday there are no plans to paint the river this year, NBC Chicago reported.
Chicago City Officials Patrick’s Day was canceled for the second year in a row in March due to the Covid-19 pandemic, city officials announced last month.
But the city is working with organizers and communities to find new ways to make St. Celebrate Patrick’s Day in a safe way that is consistent with ongoing public health education, according to Lightfoot’s office.
For example, organizers of Chicago’s South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 2021 said they “will not take the traditional march in Western Avenue,” NBC Chicago reported. Instead, they plan to hold a “Shamrock Our Blocks” event, a home decorating contest.
Local officials are urging residents to continue to follow public health guidelines and avoid large gatherings. They also warn that all who st. Patrick’s Day present or four, the appropriate guidelines should follow.
Residential gatherings are limited to groups of up to ten people, and there are restrictions for businesses.
“St. “Patrick’s Day is one of the biggest times of the year in Chicago, but as we enter the second year of this pandemic, our celebration should look different from typical years, ‘said Rosa Escareno, commissioner of the city’s Department of Business and Consumer Protection, said a statement.
“We must remain diligent and adhere to the regulations that keep our community safe. I expect our businesses to act this weekend as during the entire pandemic, but we will be prepared to take enforcement action if necessary,” Escareno said. .
