Saint Patrick’s Day is tomorrow.
The holiday celebrating Irish culture is held annually on March 17th, and commemorates the patron saint of Ireland. Traditionally, Christians who were fasting for 40 days during the period of Lent had their eating and drinking restrictions lifted on Saint Patrick’s Day, allowing for feasts and for alcohol consumption.
In the U.S., the National Retail Federation says they expect over 60 percent of Americans to celebrate the holiday, and they’ll each spend an average of 43 dollars on the celebration. That comes out to a pot of gold worth seven-billion dollars.
Meanwhile, many are kicking off the celebrations early. Thousands turned out in downtown Chicago on Saturday to watch the Chicago River turn green for St. Patrick’s Day. The annual tradition has been orchestrated by the Journeymen Plumbers Local Union since 1962. Crowds began lining the streets along the riverfront as multiple boats spread 40 pounds of the eco-friendly dye. Following the 10 a.m. dyeing of the river, Chicago’s official St. Patrick’s Day Parade got underway along Columbus. Drive. The celebration is among the largest St. Patty’s Day events in the nation.
But wait, move over Chicago! Wisconsin is also turning green-and not with envy!
Kenosha harbor is turning green for St. Patrick’s Day for the first time. The city also celebrated the spirit of Irish culture and heritage with a parade, a 2KM Guinness fun run and other activities downtown Saturday. Over twenty-thousand people showed up to watch Irish dancing, floats and music.
