Issues cloud Greening of the Canal in downtown Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — “It’s not easy being green.”

That lyric from the song by Muppet character Kermit the Frog now applies to the downtown Indianapolis canal on St. Patrick’s Day.

A mechanical issue with a fountain pump and the chance of rain mean this year’s Greening of the Canal for St. Patrick’s Day will be a wee bit different, organizers say.

That announcement came hours after Downtown Indy Inc. announced the Blarney Bash live music and green beer event was canceled due to dropping temperatures and increasing precipitation.

Friday’s St. Patrick’s Day parade and other events were still a “go,” Downtown Indy Inc. says.

Now, don’t get your Irish up about the canal. Here is the “official statement” shared Wednesday night:

“The Athletic Club Foundation, in partnership with the Hoosier Lottery, has made the decision to alter its plans for the annual Greening of the Canal event. Due to the anticipated rain in the forecast for tomorrow evening, the celebration will now take place at 11 a.m. EDT, rather than 5 p.m. EDT, on Thursday, March 16. In addition, as a result of a mechanical issue with the pump that operates the fountain in the Downtown Indy Canal, the Canal will not turn green with the fountain as it has in the past.

“However, a ceremonial pouring of the dye will still take place to celebrate the start of St. Patrick’s Day festivities in Indianapolis.

“The Hoosier Lottery St. Patrick’s Day Kickoff Celebration will remain free and open to the public, featuring live entertainment and remarks from local dignitaries including Mayor Joe Hogsett, the 2023 Irish Citizen of the Year John J. Quinn and Hoosier Lottery Executive Director Sarah M. Taylor.“

Mallory Wilson, public relations senior account executive, Caldwell VanRiper