Yoko's Trip to Chicago

　Yoko is a high school student in Japan. During spring vacation, she visited her American pen pal, Mike, in Chicago. On the first day, Mike showed her around the city. Yoko was surprised, because many people were wearing green clothes. Mike said, "Today is a special day. It's called St. Patrick's Day. We have a big festival on this day every year."
　St. Patrick is a famous hero in Ireland. He traveled around the country about 1,600 years ago. He taught Christianity and built schools for people. He was a great man and was loved by the people of Ireland.
　At first, St. Patrick's Day was a holiday only for Irish people. But later, many Irish people moved to the United States to have a better life, and they kept their own culture. In 1737, Americans had their first St. Patrick's Day. It became more popular year by year, and now St. Patrick's Day is an important holiday in America, too. Every year on March 17, there are parades in many parts of the United States. People like to watch the parades, listen to Irish music, and enjoy Irish dancing. Green is a special color for Irish people. So, on St. Patrick's Day, people often wear something green. Some even eat green cookies and cake!
　After lunch, Yoko and Mike bought green hats at a store on the street and joined the dancing. They really enjoyed their "green day."