Bay City could become the emerald city.
Tonight a Mid-Michigan man received support from The Bay City Commission to dye the Saginaw River green.
But they aren't sure if he will be able to pull it off in time for Saint Patrick's day this year.
23-year-old Brad Meyer says he wanted to dye the river next year, but with all the excitement brewing he hopes to pull it off this March. He got the idea from my hometown of Chicago.
Bay City is known for it's St. Patrick's day celebrations, hundreds of people show up each year for the parade and race.
But, it could soon have an even bigger attraction, the Saginaw River maybe dyed green.
"Me and my business partner came up with the idea to increase tourism in Bay County," says Brad Meyer.
"We're actually going to use 45 to 75 pounds of dye, dispensing it between the Lafayette Bridge and the Liberty Bridge."
It would cost between $1,100 to $2,200 to dye the river for 12 hours.
Meyer has already started racking in private donations.
Residents say the idea could bring some luck and charm to the city.
"I think it's a great idea, Bay City is a festive area, very Saint Patty's Day," said Justin Scott.
"I think kids our age would be interested in something like that sort of like Chicago. I always wanted to see something like that, it would be a lot less expensive to see it in my hometown."
There was concern the brown river water couldn't be turned green, but Meyer proved it could.
The City Commission likes the idea, but wants to make sure Meyer follows protocol.
"The commission supports him pending a couple of things, pending approval from john dekam who heads our water treatment facility and a permit from the DEQ," says Bay City Mayor Charles Brunner.
