Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanical Gardens turned a brilliant shade of emerald green Tuesday as crowds gathered for the annual St. Patrick’s Day tradition.
Despite frigid conditions, families lined the walkways in the morning and again at midday as staff dyed the waterfall during two scheduled times at 10 a.m. and noon. Temperatures hovered at just 19 degrees during the morning dyeing, and a light dusting of snow covered the ground, but the wintry mix did not stop crowds from coming out to watch the magic unfold.
Children leaned over railings for a better view while parents lifted phones to capture the moment the rushing water shifted color.
“The dyeing of the waterfall is an annual event that brings us all together as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day,” said Gareth Blakesley, operations manager at Lake Katherine. “Having these community-based events is what everyone needs after the pandemic. There is a sense of camaraderie, especially watching a spectacle like the dyeing of the waterfall, where people can come and celebrate together.”
Visitors like Eve Gasior of Midlothian were thrilled to be part of the tradition. She attended with her 11-year-old daughter, Ella. “We come every year. It’s so cool,” Gasior said.
The waterfall, a centerpiece of the nature center, stretches more than 300 feet across four cascading tiers before flowing into the lake. Once the dye was introduced at the top, the water quickly transformed into a vivid green display that drew steady applause and excited reactions from the crowd.
While Chicago’s river often takes center stage on the holiday, this south suburban tradition offered a closer and more intimate experience. Visitors gathered shoulder to shoulder along the paths, many dressed in festive green, creating a lively but relaxed atmosphere.
Staff and volunteers used a biodegradable, pond-safe dye commonly used in environmental studies. The material safely colored the water without harming fish, birds or plant life, allowing the celebration to blend with the preserve’s natural setting.
The event, which began about a decade ago, has grown into a seasonal favorite in Palos Heights. After a brief pause during the pandemic, it returned with strong attendance and renewed enthusiasm from the community.
Children pointed and laughed as the water flowed past them in shades of green, some watching in amazement as the color moved down each level of the falls. Families lingered along the paths, taking photos and enjoying the crisp air.
With a touch of winter still in the air and spring just around the corner, the event brought neighbors together for a festive tradition that continued to draw a crowd year after year.
