Get ready to become Irish for the day.
Visit Savannah
Theres no place likeSavannah, Georgiain March.
(For reference, their first parade was held in 1843.)
Credit:Visit Savannah
The month is a non-stop celebration of family, says Patrick Rossiter.
Hes an active member of several Irish organizations, including the Hibernian Society, theSt.
Patricks Day Parade Committee, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, and the Police Emerald Society.
Credit:Visit Savannah
He also comes from a long line of folks with Irish heritage.
That comes out to around 29,000 people with Irish heritage in the area.
The event startedsometime in the 1980s when some pranksters began dyeing the fountains as a joke.
The parade committee and Irish groups in Savannah dont get much of a break after that.
Of course, being Tybee, there are always pirates.
William Jasper Green Ceremony (this year on Sunday, March 16) to honor all military.
Credit:Bailey Davidson
No one can be in the squares after 10:00 p.m. the night before.
In fact, the Savannah police department politely asks everyone to leave as they canvass the area.
Youll see ambitious people starting to arrive in the early morning hours, sometimes just after midnight.
Credit:Bailey Davidson
With their tents ready and coolers prepared, negotiations start with others standing around.
Everyone wants to be ready when access is open.
Its in their benefit to talk.
My own son Mac Farthing covered in kisses after the parade.Credit:Courtesy Jessica Farthing
At 6 a.m. on the dot, Savannah police blow a whistle, and everyone rushes the area.
Tents unfurl, stakes and tape stretch across parcels and hopefully, no one comes to blows.
It isnt uncommon to see bright red lip marks on the cheeks of those who currently and formerly served.
Credit:Bailey Davidson
Nothing stops a mom, after all.
The Irish community attends in full force, happy to celebrate their roots while the city watches.
Banners mark the different organizations and families and the Rossiter family is in the middle of the action.
Even though its a long day, the end for the Irish families is bittersweet.
Theres a feeling of family.
Were done, and you get nostalgic.
Its all about family, says Rossiter.
Plan your outfit of green, buy a little red lipstick, and get in on the fun!
Helpful Hints
Leave early to get a parking spot.
The parade route closes off many streets downtown.
Have a plan before you leave the house, and carpool if you’re free to.
Parking places are scarce.
Patrick’s Day MassLocation: The Cathedral Basilica of Saint John the BaptistTime: 8 a.m.St.
Patrick’s Day ParadeTime: 10:15 a.m.
