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In an effort to limit crowds over St. Patrick’s Day weekend as a precautionary measure due to Covid-19, Chicago city officials have not announced plans to continue their long-standing tradition of dye the Chicago River green to mark the holidays.
But in a surprise Twitter announcement on Saturday, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said the city was “able to honor a long-standing tradition. “
“Happy St. Patrick’s Day weekend, Chicago!” she said. “While we didn’t get together, we were able to honor the long-standing tradition of dyeing the Chicago River green, thanks to the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers. If you are going today, be sure to mask yourself and watch your distance.”
The Chicago Plumbers Union surprised residents early Saturday morning as crews crossed the river in boats, leaving streaks 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 spokesperson for Local 130 of the plumbers union on Friday said there were no plans to dye the river this year, NBC Chicago reported.
Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day parades were canceled for the second year in a row in March due to the Covid-19 pandemic, city officials said last month.
But the city is working with organizers and communities to find new ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in a safe way and in accordance with current public health guidelines, according to Lightfoot’s office.
For example, the organizers of the Irish South Side Chicago 2021 St. Patrick’s Day Parade said they “would not be leading its traditional march on Western Avenue,” NBC Chicago reported. Instead, they plan to host a “Shamrock Our Blocks” event, an interior design contest.
Local authorities are urging residents to continue to follow public health guidelines and to avoid large gatherings. They also warn that anyone who organizes or celebrates St. Patrick’s Day should follow proper guidelines.
Residential gatherings are limited to groups of no more than ten and restrictions for businesses remain in place.
“St. Patrick’s Day is one of the greatest times of the year in Chicago, but as we enter the second year of this pandemic, our celebration must be different from normal years, ”said Rosa Escareno, department commissioner. city business affairs and consumer protection. A declaration.
“We must remain diligent and commit to abiding by regulations that keep our community safe. I expect our businesses to measure up this weekend as they have throughout the pandemic, but we will be ready to take enforcement action if necessary, ”Escareno said.
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