12-Mar-17 – With the temperature around freezing, most of the Riverwalk’s key players were suited up snugly on Saturday for the annual tradition of turning the Chicago River green.

City Winery, Island Party Hut, O’Brien’s Riverwalk Café, and Tiny Hatt were open, some under tents and with sources of heat. Chicago Electric Boat Company, Downtown Docks, and Urban Kayaks started their seasons. Wendella started its tour boat season on Friday and Chicago Water Taxi service on Saturday. McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum opened on Friday. Smaller vendors Dulce in Horto, Frost Gelato, and Lillie’s Park Grill were also in business.

(Left) People and dogs on the Riverwalk in front of City Winery.

“After a banner year in 2016, there is no question that the riverfront investments we’re making throughout the city are promoting economic growth and moving closer to making the Chicago River the city’s next recreational frontier,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

Mercury starts its season on April 28. Any Riverwalk vendor not open now will be open no later than May 1.

More photos…

(Above) Shoreline Sightseeing’s tour boat Cityview was again recruited to help with the dyeing of the river, pumping dye from the back of its pushboat. In background, people line the State Street Bridge near Marina City and AMA Plaza.

(Above) Closer view of the stern of Cityview’s pushboat, from which dye is pumped into the Chicago River through the green pipes.

(Above) The crowds were out but they were bundled. This area is west of State Street in front of City Winery, Downtown Docks, and Frost Gelato.