March 17th: Savannah will truly paint the town green in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, a favorite holiday in Georgia’s First City. Named after Ireland’s beloved Patron Saint, St. Patrick’s Day enjoys a lively and spirited annual celebration in Savannah, in what has become one of the largest festivals in the Southeast.

The 2014 St. Patrick’s Day Parade will officially kick off on Sunday, March 2nd, Grand Marshal Public Investiture at the Savannah Civic Center at 2:45 p.m. St. Patrick’s Day is Monday, March 17th, St. Partrick’s Day Parade is Monday, March 17th, 2014. More than 300,000 people are expected to visit Savannah to help celebrate the second largest St. Patrick Day Parade in the United States and to enjoy the city-wide festivities. Held in Savannah’s National Landmark Historic District, the parade begins at the corner of Abercorn and Gwinnett Street and culminates at the corner of Bull and Harris Street.

Expect to see approximately 350 floats and marching units featuring representatives from various local Irish groups, Irish pipe bands, local and regional celebrities, area politicians and military units make regular appearances in Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. You may even have the chance to drink green beer or to sample emerald-colored grits, for a true taste of St. Patrick’s Day, Savannah-style.

A beloved annual tradition, the first St. Patrick’s Day Parade marched through the shady streets of Savannah in 1813. In its earlier days, the parade was more of a military spectacle, with soldiers from various regiments marching in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. Except for major wars, including the Civil War and World War 1, the parade has run nearly every year for almost 200 years.

On Friday thru Monday, March 14th thru 17th, River Street will host the biggest party of the year with the popular St. Patrick’s Celebration on the River. This nationally-recognized festival features multiple stages of non-stop live entertainment, as well as interactive games, food, cold beverages and much more. Or join the folks at City Market for live music, food and fun as they celebrate all things Irish! Festivities begin on March 2nd and continue through March 17th.

The event on River Street is free and open to the public. Be sure to bring I.D. to prove that you are over 21 – and of course, don a bit o’green into the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day!

Savannah’s hospitality is truly the stuff of legend. You’ll feel right at home in the Hostess City of the South during St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Erin Go Braugh!

Information in this article is subject to change. For more information about St. Partirck’s Day events in Savannah, contact:

St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee – 912-233-4804 – savannahsaintpatricksday.com
River Street – Savannah Waterfront Association – 912-234-0295 – riverstreetsavannah.com
City Market – Event Info-Line – 912-525-2489 – savannahcitymarket.com

St. Patrick’s Day Events Calendar:

Greening of the Fountain, Forsyth Park, 12 noon Friday, March 7th.
Celtic Cross Ceremony Sunday, March 9th.
Irish Heritage Dance, Alee Temple, 8 p.m. Friday, March 14th.
St. Patrick’s On The River Festival Friday thru Monday, March 14th thru 17th.
Saint Patrick’s Day Mass, Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, 8 a.m. Saturday, March 15th.
Tara Feis, Emmet Park, 11-5 p.m. Saturday, March 15th.
Tybee Island Parade 3 p.m. Saturday, March 15th.
Jasper Green Ceremony, Madison Square, 4:30 p.m. Sunday, March 16th.
2014 Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Monday, March 17th.