US | St. Patrick's Day Chicago Kicks Off St. Pat's by Dyeing River Green Mayor Rahm Emanuel appears at St. Patrick's Day ritual By John Johnson Posted Mar 17, 2012 3:09 PM CDT Copied Marina Towers loom in the background of a green Chicago river Saturday morning, March 17, 2012. (AP Photo/Lois Bernstein) The city of Chicago has dyed its river green in a much-beloved yearly St. Patrick's Day ritual that brought thousands of revelers to downtown. Cheers erupted this morning as a motor boat sped around in a circle and a man on board dumped the secret dye mixture that in minutes transforms the river into a psychedelic green. A parade will be held downtown later in the day. This year, Ireland's prime minister is in town to help lead the celebrations. Premier Enda Kenny appeared with Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Both wore green ties and tucked shamrocks into their lapels. Kenny says he's honored to take part in Chicago's parade. He praised the city with a large Irish population for being so open and receptive to immigrants. (For a grumpier take on the Irish "pseudo-holiday," click here.) Read These Next A game of doorbell ditch turns fatal for 11-year-old. Is India, under hefty tariffs, turning away from the US? Guy accused of snatching hat from boy at US Open IDed as rich CEO. Robert Mueller's family makes a surprise revelation. Report an error