Time to drink in Chicago’s rich Irish heritage

CHICAGO – St. Patrick’s Day isn’t until Wednesday, but the Chicago River will be turning green this weekend.

At 10:45 a.m. Saturday, green dye – environmentally friendly, will be put into the river at the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive. After that, there are plenty of activities to choose from.

At noon, a parade will go through Grant Park, from Balbo Drive and Columbus Drive, ending at Monroe Drive. Stick around or come back at noon Sunday for the Northwest Side Irish Parade at 6633 W. Raven St.

All things Irish remain in the spotlight with the South Side Irish Parade Family Fest from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday at the Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St. Here visitors will find a best-dressed Irish dog contest, a children’s parade on the grounds of the center, and women’s and men’s kilt contests.

The Irish-American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave., will be open from 1 to 10 p.m. Saturday. Look for live music, children’s activities, and food. That isn’t all though, from noon to midnight on Wednesday, the center hosts a St. Patrick’s Day Party complete with Irish dancing, food, and music.

Several Irish-flavored tours are planned. Two St. Patrick’s Day cruises will be at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday through Shoreline Sightseeing, which sails from Navy Pier Dock Street, Ogden Slip. The tour will include traditional Irish food and Chicago Irish lore.

The cruises take 1.5 hours. Tickets are $29 for adults, $27 for senior citizens, and $15 for children. To reserve tickets, visit www.shorelinesightseeing.com or call 312-222-9328. Navy Pier is at 600 E. Grand Ave.

The free Chicago Greeter tour stresses eco-conscious areas – the other “green.” Visitors can learn about Chicago’s green buildings and parks. The tours must be booked 7 to 10 days in advance, so it’s too late for this weekend, but worth a return. Those interested get a volunteer who guides them through a 2- to 4-hour trip made with public transportation and on foot. Go online at www.chicagogreeter.com or call 312-744-8000. Other tour subjects also are available. Chicago Greeter tours are part of the Chicago Office of Tourism, 78 E. Washington St.