Happy St. Patrick's Day

We didn't go to either the Chicago or the New York parades this year, so here's a shot of the dye-ing of the Chicago River from last year.



You can see the whole set here.

Gospel Girls

I don't think I accurately captured the joy and vivacity that emanated from their impromptu performance -- enacted on the steps of the stern Aon building on a bright St. Patrick's Day morning -- which is a shame because it was wonderful to watch. Oh, and they had lovely voices, too.



How cool -- the top picture was selected as the Rearview photo of the day at Gaper's Block. Thanks!

Irish Flat Stanley

For those who've never heard of him, Flat Stanley is a children's book hero, who gets mailed to exotic places and has adventures all over the world. Many kids make Flat Stanleys for school projects, and mail them to someone they know in another city, and that person takes Flat Stanley around and takes pictures of him in various places. I have taken many Flat Stanley photos around Chicago for a young boy in Connecticut, and I tend to see tourists and locals taking Flat Stanley shots at all the major city attractions.

But this particular Flat Stanley cracked me up when I saw him last week at the parade; they had dressed him up in a paper shirt with green clovers all over it. It really is true: everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day!

St. Pat's Parade

Since there is only a small window of time where St. Patrick's-related photos are relevant, here are 4 of my favorites from the Chicago St. Pat's Parade held yesterday. We didn't have the greatest view for most of it; we were at the corner where the parade ended and they split off the floats in one direction and the bands and marchers in another. We lucked out in that we were standing facing the marchers, so I was able to see them closer than I thought I would.

Band Marching Past Skyline -- best seen in largest view.



Spinning Girls



Bagpipers



Little Irish Dancers

The Dyeing of the Chicago River

This was AWESOMELY weird and cool. I'm so glad we came down to see it.

Before. Notice how empty the path is along the river.



The boat begins to drop the dye. It's a lot more crowded now!



A few laps of the boat are completed.



The dye is totally safe, supposedly. It starts off orange, which is strange, but once it hits the water and gets churned up by the boat's motor, it turns to bright green.



Almost done. Notice how many more people are there watching now!






All done. The view from the Michigan Avenue bridge.



Enjoy your St. Patrick's Day, everyone!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

The fountain in Daley Plaza has been dyed green for the holiday. It looked so pretty last night!

I may actually have a second post today, as I think I will get many good shots at the parade and river-dyeing ceremony. Keep your eyes peeled!