Chicago River dyed green for St. Patrick's Day

CHICAGO - The Chicago River turning green kicked off Chicago's St. Patrick's day festivities this morning.

Thousands looked on and then stuck around for the annual downtown parade that made its way down Columbus between Balbo and Monroe.

Politicians, including Governor Bruce Rauner, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and mayoral challenger Jesus "Chuy" Garcia all made the rounds, shaking hands and securing votes.

See images of the revelry below: