St. Patrick’s Day Green Rivers.
One day Dr. Wetbrain was in the Central Hotel bar having a pint of green beer among an overpopulated drunk group of leprechauns and leprechaunettes. Yes, it is March 17th, St. Patrick’s Day. Which made the Doctor think of the green rivers dedicated to this day. The only green water I know about is the swamp I have in the back 40s and has nothing to do with St. Patrick’s Day. Here are his findings.
The most popular green St. Patrick’s Day River is the Chicago River. This festive gimmick was originally launched in 1962 with a few small boats spewing out an oil-based fluorescein green dye. The Chicago River’s fish, otters and environmentalists did not like these toxins at all. In 1966 the dying chemicals changed to a vegetable-based dye. The fish, otters and environmentalists seemed happier.
Apparently dying the river costs $133.oo/minute. Dying the river starts one week before St. Patrick’s Day with the 2 little boats spewing the dye.
Other St. Patrick’s Day green water.
- Savannah, Georgia, US has green water flowing in a fountain at Forsyth Park.
- San Antonio, Texas. Since 1968 has a green river walk along River Shannon.
- In Ireland, River Liffey which runs through Dublin has been made green for St. Patrick’s Day since 1962. Thanks to the persuasion of Mike Butler.
St. Patrick’s Day Trivia.
1) Green beer is made with blue food coloring.
2) Corn beef and cabbage is the traditional meal for this day.
Brief history.
St. Patrick’s Day started in the early 17th century due to the death of St. Patrick. Patron Saint of Ireland. Observed by the Catholic Church.
Conclusion.
All Dr. Wetbrain could do in this bar is raise his green beer mug and yell out, “Here’s to St. Patrick!” Everyone drank their green beer also.