St. Patrick's Day 2019: Chicago River dyeing, parade

CHICAGO (WLS) -- St. Patrick's Day celebrations kicked off Saturday morning in Chicago with green dye being spilled into the Chicago River and continued with a St. Patrick's Day parade in the Loop.

Hundreds of thousands attended the annual dyeing which was done by the Chicago Plumbers Union Local 130. While the recipe for the dye is a closely guarded secret, it is safe for the environment, officials said.

Festivities continued with the parade, which ran along Wacker Drive from Michigan Avenue to State Street. Temps were chilly but dry Saturday.

The Chicago River turned green again on Saturday for St. Patrick's Day.

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The St. Patrick's Day Parade is available on-demand following the broadcast.

A St. Patrick's Day Parade was held Saturday in Palatine.

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St. Patrick's Day festivities continue Sunday in Chicago's neighborhoods.

The South Side Irish Parade starts at noon. It will step off from 103rd & Western and proceed south down Western Avenue to 115th Street. For more information, visit: https://southsideirishparade.org/.

The Northwest Side Irish Parade also starts at noon Sunday, starting at North Neola Avenue and West Raven Street in the Norwood Park neighborhood. For more information, visit: https://northwestsideirish.org/.

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GETTING THERE:

Officials are encouraging anyone planning to attend the St. Patrick's Day festivities to use public transportation.

Metra and CTA are adding service to get people to the Chicago St. Patrick's Day and South Side Irish parades this weekend. Due to the expected high ridership, Metra recommends purchasing tickets prior to boarding this weekend.

For complete details on routes and extra service, click here.