SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — It’s almost party time for St. Patrick’s Day, it’s been two years since the last parade. We’re on your side with what you need to know ahead of Savannah’s big day.
“We have a great celebration planned,” says Special Events, Film & Tourism Director Susan Broker. “Our community deserves it after a two-year hiatus. We are looking forward to a beautiful day in Savannah.”
That beautiful day gets started when all downtown squares open at 6 a.m. next Thursday. If you’re parked along the parade route you’ll need to remove your car before then.
“The parade starts at 10:15 a.m.,” said Broker. “You all know that it’s somewhat of a smaller parade this year due to COVID and other reasons. And so, we think that will end up between 2:15 and 3 in the afternoon.”
New procedures this year include no out-of-town motor coaches and no on-street alcohol vendors or entertainment are allowed. Organizers say it’s a way to let downtown businesses benefit from the crowds.
“This year our focus is on local businesses,” says Broker. “We want local businesses to have the opportunity to have the economic advantage of the number of people that are here in town so we will not be providing any on-street alcohol or entertainment that would compete with any local businesses.”
Finally, all alcohol sales begin bright and early at 8 a.m.
The city’s special event department says cleanliness is the top priority this St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah.
“We’re extremely efficient with this. When the parade closes, our sanitation and greenscapes crews do a great job of getting right behind that parade and cleaning up,” Broker said.
And while the city is stepping up sanitation efforts — bringing manpower and distributing additional trash containers — they’re asking for paradegoers to be mindful.
Watch the full press conference below.
“Help us keep the city clean by using those containers,” said Gene Prevatt with sanitation. “Better yet, bring your own trash cans with you.”
It’s tradition for paradegoers to set up camp in Savannah’s squares; Calhoun, Oglethorpe, LaFayette, Johnson, Wright, Madison and Chippewa are along the parade route.
The night before the parade, city marshals will clear each of them. They’ll reopen at 6 a.m. for the “Land Rush,” when paradegoers quickly cordon off a section of select squares for prime parade viewing.
You can bring your own tents, tables, food and alcohol — but you’re asked to take it home with you, too.
“If you pack it in, pack it out,” Gordon Denney, greenscapes director, said. “That helps us tremendously.”
Broker reminded the public of certain prohibited items, namely styrofoam, glass and personal portalets. Littering is against the law, she added, and could cost you a minimum $50 fine.
The city will be providing portapotties, extra trash bags and stepping up other sanitation efforts. Orange fencing will be set up to protect the greenery in the historic squares.
It’s all in an effort to make this St. Patrick’s Day a memorable one for the Hostess City.
“We have a great celebration planned,” Broker said. “Our community deserves one after a two-year hiatus. We’re all looking forward to a beautiful day in Savannah.”
