Fountain Hills is gearing up for its 45th annual tradition of turning its towering fountain a striking shade of green. The local legend has it that it all began with a daring bet over water skiing around what is now known as a world-famous waterworks.
According to the town of Fountain Hills, it's all going down on March 17th, at the stroke of noon. The massive fountain, which already holds the title of the fourth tallest in the world, will unleash an emerald cascade for the pleasure of onlookers. And for those not fortunate enough to witness the green glory in person, fret not. The town's got tech on its side – spectators can get a digital dose of the St. Paddy's pizzazz on the town’s webcam.
The pageantry isn’t just for kicks. It’s got a greener purpose, with the non-toxic dye ensuring no harm to the surrounding eco-haven, which includes a body of water that's home to local wildlife and provides irrigation to the park. The eco-friendly infusion calls for 55 gallons of dye to achieve that lush green look, as confirmed in a statement.
For those in the dark about this fountain’s fame, constructed in Zürich, Switzerland, and unleashed onto Arizona in 1970 by developer Robert P. McCulloch, this powerhouse pumps a spray as high as 560 feet in the air – we're talking as lofty as the Washington Monument and triple the height of Old Faithful in Yellowstone. Not just a St. Patrick's Day wonder, this white plume of potable prowess is on full display every hour on the hour for 15 minutes from the wee hours of 9 a.m. to the evening's embrace of 9 p.m.
While the third pump is generally reserved for special occasions or to stand in when the other two take a break, St. Patrick's Day sees all systems a go for this impressive spray spectacle. Visible from miles around – by folks in the Superstition Mountains, Carefree, and even those up in the air.
