Even though one can not always count on spring arriving early in March, one can trust one thing to brighten up this dull time of the year, St. Patrick’s Day. The holiday on the 17th celebrates all things Irish, well, in America’s case, beer and the color green. Nevertheless, the entertainment and food involved with the celebration are always greatly appreciated and easy to find almost anywhere in Chicago.

The annual dying of the Chicago River commences once again this year on Saturday, March 14th. This totally free and fun event takes place by Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive downtown at 9:30 a.m. The tradition that dates back almost fifty years is not only a cheap venture but an exciting and spirited one as well.  Sit back and take in the beautiful city as forty-five pounds of eco-friendly dye is dumped into the river to turn it a dazzling emerald green.

As always, the parade will be taking place later that day as well at 12:00 p.m. This year, Chicago will be celebrating the St. Patrick’ Day Parade 60th Anniversary. This spectacle will be broadcast live on ABC- Channel 7. Floats, Irish Trinity dancers, bagpipe players, bands and more will be marching north down Columbus Drive to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and its history. However, if one is looking for a more local event, Elmhurst will be commencing their 19th annual St. Patrick’s Day parade along Spring Road at 12:00 p.m. on March 7th, and it is sure to supply an equal amount of fun for the families and friends attending.

Another local place that is sure to supply as much culture to the holiday as any other is Shannon’s Irish Pub. Located at 428 N. Main Street in Glen Ellyn, Shannon’s charming pub and restaurant will be open the weekend before St. Patrick’s Day until 12:00 a.m. on Saturday, 9:00 p.m. on Sunday and 11:00 p.m. on Monday. This pub will offer a variety of Irish cuisine including delicious and traditional corned beef sandwiches for $9.95, Irish home-style chips for $5.95 and Irish breakfast served all day long for $12.95.  This quaint pub gives one a taste of Ireland that is simply delicious.

With any luck, all these events and forms of entertainment will make the holiday of St. Patrick’s Day full of experiences and good times.