Savannah, Georgia is ranked number 3 in the U.S. for throwing the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades. Though the parade has one of the biggest outcomes, this isn’t the only thing that Savannah offers, which makes celebrating St. Pattys day a month long celebration.
1. Grand Marshal Investiture
This year the Grand Marshal’s name is Hugh Coleman. He is the one that makes sure Savannah’s parade is always bigger and greener than the previous years. He and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee plan and organize all of the events for historic downtown Savannah.
2. Greening of the Fountain
On March 13, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee presents the annual greening of the main fountain in Forsyth Park. Watching the fountain change from clear to green brings about a spark of Irish magic. This is one of Savannah’s most popular events for children and the young at heart adults.
3. St. Patrick’s Day Festival
River Street and City Market are always hot spots in historic Savannah, but it is the liveliest on St. Patrick’s Day. On the 14th-17th of March, bands preform live music on stages all over downtown and vendors line the streets with food, drinks and gifts. Guests can travel to City Market to grab a green beer and enjoy the festivities by the Savannah River.
4. Tera Feis Irish Celebration
This is a festivity that is put on by the City of Savannah’s Department of Cultural Affairs on March 14th. This is always a free event located in Emmet Park that is a family favorite. It is children friendly and known to be a feast for the eyes and ears. They have live bands preforming, food from vendors and art activities, crafts and Irish games for the children.
5. Tybee Island Parade
Tybee Island a well-known beach in Savannah. They host a laid back beach parade that starts off with floats and a performance from local marching bands. The Budweiser Clydesdale horses are returning to the parade. The last time they were a feature in the Tybee St. Patty’s Parade was in 2009.
6. Jasper Green Ceremony
Savannah is a city that holds a lot of militant history. During the revolution they lost a great war hero named Sergeant William Jasper. He was an American solider that was mortally wounded by the British during the Battle of Sullivan Island. Because of his dedication and sacrifice to the city of Savannah, there is a statue of him clutching his wound while holding a guidon high. So, on March 16th, the city of Savannah celebrates his life with a military parade through historic downtown followed by a wreath laying ceremony by the Grand Marshal and the Division Command Sergeant Major from Ft. Stewart.
7. St. Patrick’s Day Parade
This is the huge event that the city takes part in. Every year guest attendance is around 400,000 people, so it is a crowded, crazy day. There are live bands, crafts, vendors, performers, and a lot of booths selling liquor and beer.