"City of Tampa workers add dye to the Hillsborough River for the mayor's River O'Green Fest.
The greening process starts with dumping an orange powder into the water and churning it with boat propellers. It instantly turns the water a fluorescent green. According to Buckhorn, it is an environmentally safe process and Tampa won't end up with green fish.
Tampa Fire and Rescue boat sprays water in front of the crowd at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.
There was a lot to do for both kids and adults at the fest. Here competitors battle it out in a strength competition. The idea is to hold a weighted bucket straight out until the last one drops.
Tall leprechaun, Mike Norton as Patty O'Furniture, posed and entertained at the Green River Fest.
Rick Brown has been playing the bagpipes for 13-14 years. He also plays for area honor guards.
Rudy Hernandez does his rope trick for St Patty's crowd.
It wouldn't be St Patrick's Day for some without a good beer. Stacy Carroll pours a cold Harp draft. Proceeds from beer sales go to Realm. The Tampa Downtown Partnership’s task force was instrumental in the sprucing up of Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.
The temporarily green river shows nicely against the University of Tampa and the pleasant March blue sky.
Scariff School of Irish Dance performs on the Krewe of Shamrock stage.
Curis Hixon Park turned into a field of greens.
The Hillsborough River was dyed Kelly green on St Patrick's Day for the first River O'Green Fest. 
Aided by his two daughters and emcee for the day, Eric Cattelle, Mayor Buckhorn blows the horn to start the river greening process.
