ROCKFORD — Move over, Chicago. The Forest City can dye its river green, too.

Part parade, part Irish music and food festival and all fun, the 44th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade and PaddyFest on March 14 could be extra special this year, said Danny McDade, president of the Irish Marching Society of Rockford.

Organizers will try something they haven't attempted before: dyeing the Rock River green as part of "Operation Emerald Water."

"This is the event you don’t want to miss if you love Irish and Celtic culture," McDade said.

Organizers, with help from Rockford Fire Department boats, plan to pour emerald green dye made by a Fort Wayne, Ind., company, Sanco Industries, into the river around 5 p.m. north of Prairie Street Brewhouse, 200 Prairie St.

Because this is the first time they have done it, organizers aren't sure how effective it will be or how long the color will last, said Chris Manuel, CEO of Prairie Street Brewing Co. and a member of the Irish Marching Society.

The liquid dye — based on a non-toxic food coloring — has been used for years along San Antonio's River Walk for St. Patrick's Day, the company says, and is safe for plants and wildlife. The Illinois and U.S. Environmental Protection agencies approved its use, as did city officials, who said they had informed downstream municipalities about the event.

"I am fairly confident it will work," Manuel said. "It has been successful in other municipalities and rivers. We have never done it here, but I am pretty excited to give it a try."

The dye will be tested Saturday afternoon to determine how much will be needed on the day of the event.

Manuel said that Motorola Solutions Inc. had donated $4,500 to purchase the dye.

The festivities on March 14 will begin with a St. Patrick's Day parade that is expected to feature about 50 groups and floats. It will step off at 3 p.m. from Rockford Public Schools headquarters, at 501 Seventh St. in the city’s Midtown District.

The parade will travel from Seventh Street and Fourth Avenue to downtown along East State Street and then head north on Madison Street until it reaches the Prairie Street Brewhouse.

PaddyFest, which will feature Irish and Celtic music on four stages and authentic Irish food, will run from 4-8 p.m. at the Brewhouse. Wristbands will be available for purchase at the door starting at 1 p.m.

WalletHub ranked the 2020 Rockford St. Patrick's Day celebration 45th among 200 U.S. cities based on cost, offerings, amenities and accommodations.

Jeff Kolkey: 815-987-1374; jkolkey@rrstar.com; @jeffkolkey