Tampa, Florida -- Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn says people in Tampa get an extra perk for having an Irishman as mayor.

Mayor Buckhorn says there will be an obvious example of that this weekend as the Hillsborough River between the Cass Street Bridge and Kennedy Bridge is dyed green in honor of St. Patrick's Day.

The City says the dye, that is typically used to trace leaks and for search and rescue efforts in large bodies of water, is non-toxic and biodegradable.

In addition to changing the color of the River, there will be a special celebration all day in Curtis Hixon Park on Saturday, March 16 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with live music, food trucks, games and craft beer.

A complete list of confirmed vendors and entertainment is available at tampagov.net/RiverOGreen.

The celebration is free to attend and anyone who brings three non-perishable food items for those in need will receive a green "Saint Patrick's Army" shirt provided by the Salvation Army.

Follow 10 News Reporter Mike Deeson on twitter @MikeDeeson