Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago
More than 400,000 spectators are expected to participate in the 63rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration tomorrow.
Road closures will start as early as 8:00 a.m., including Columbus from Roosevelt to Wacker, and east-west streets in those boundaries. Lake Shore Drive or State Street can be used as an alternate for these closures.
CTA will be increasing service by operating longer trains starting at 7 a.m. in order to accommodate the surge in travelers.
Metra will provide additional service on most lines throughout the morning. Alcohol will be prohibited on Metra trains.
The Chicago River will be dyed green starting at 9 a.m., this year along Wacker Drive from Columbus Drive to State Street.
The parade steps off at 12 Noon at Columbus Ave. and Balbo Drive, and continues north to Monroe.
This year’s Grand Marshal is 40th Ward Ald. Patrick O’Connor and Justice Anne Burke is the Guest of Honor. There are also 122 entries including Irish dancers and pipe and drum bands, school marching bands, and community groups.
