ASHLAND — The luck of the Irish was out in full force in Ashland on Saturday as onlookers gathered for the annual dying of Town Run.
People stretched from the beginning of Ashland’s Town Run, past Corner Park, all the way to South Street Grille. The crowd was the largest yet, according to Ashland Mayor Matt Miller.
Ashland citizens participated in a parade from Foundation Plaza to the Town Run to dye the creek.
Miller led the crowd in an Irish shanty before they turned the creek green.
He also explained to children in the audience how the dye worked. It starts off looking like bright orange sugar, he said, but becomes green when it enters the water.
Bob Archer, a trustee at Ashland University and Ashland stalwart, also shared an Irish blessing with the crowd.
“… And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his great hand,” Archer said.
Then Miller, along with a crowd of helpers including city council members, county commissioners, State Rep. Melanie Miller and Ashland City Schools Supt. Steve Paramore poured the green dye into Town Run.
Afterwards, several downtown shops and restaurants had special offerings for the holiday.
Town Run will be dyed green for the whole day on March 16, and will also be dyed throughout the day on March 17, according to previous Ashland Source reporting.
Miller told Ashland Source that city “leprechauns” will keep the creek dyed throughout both days. They’ll be tasked with adding a couple tablespoons of dye to the creek about every 15 minutes. Miller clarified they won’t keep Town Run dyed during the night.
Below are photos from Saturday’s festivities.
