when did chicago first dye the river green
The Chicago River dyed green for St. Patrick's Day 2013. (Credit: Mike Krauser). CHICAGO (CBS) â The Chicago River is a glowing green as the city celebrates St. Patrickâs Day. WBBMâs Mike Krauser spent some time with the crews behind the tradition. The Shannon Rovers played on the bank of the Chicago River as the Plumbers Union Local 130 carries out a more than 50-year-old tradition of dyeing the river. Generations of the Butler and Roan families are behind this tradition.