Tampa tests biodegradable dye ahead of River O' Green Festival

River O’Green Fest returns after 2-year hiatus

Josh Cascio reports.

TAMPA, Fla. - St. Patrick's Day is still more than a week away, but Tampa is already seeing green.

At 10 a.m. Friday, city crews tested biodegradable green dye in the Hillsborough River, near Curtis Hixon Park ahead of the River O' Green Festival Saturday, March 12.

The boat spun in circles, leaving behind a wake of lime-colored water in a relatively small part of portion of the river.

City officials said the dye is non-toxic, biodegradable and safe for the environment.

Tampa tests green dye for first time since 2019 River O' Green Fest

It's been a while since city officials in Tampa were able to test the non-toxic green dye in the Hillsborough River, but with the return of the River O' Fest event in 2022, they resumed the tradition.

City officials say they want to make sure everything goes smoothly for the festival's return, since the pandemic caused it to be canceled the previous two years. The 2020 event was canceled just days before it was set to take place.

"It is very exciting. We're hoping a lot of people come out. Traditionally it is one of our biggest events in downtown," said Linda Remund CEO of the Tampa Downtown Partnership.

It'll take about 300 gallons of the dye to transform the Hillsborough River green for the day of the event. After Friday's test-run, city officials say they're confident the festival will return to its pre-pandemic popularity.

"Looks like things are ready and we're ready to turn the river green," said John Ring, Tampa’s Water Production Manager.

The party starts at 11 a.m. with live entertainment and food trucks. Of course, there will be beer.

READ: 2022 Florida Strawberry Festival kicks off to celebrate the berry and its farmers

More information and future updates on the event will be shared on the event website.

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