Thank you for visiting the official website of the 2012 Savannah Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. Here you will find helpful information about Georgia’s first city, the parade, and our Patron Saint Patrick. We hope you will join us on March 17, 2012, for the 188th parade.

Savannah is known for hosting the second largest parade in the world. However, all that have seen it say it is the grandest in the world! We begin this religious and cultural celebration approximately two weeks prior to the parade. Some of these traditional events include the Investiture of the Grand Marshal, Greening of the Fountain in Forsyth Park, Tara Feis, Celtic Cross Mass and Ceremony, and Sergeant William Jasper Green Ceremony. On the morning of the parade, Mass is held at the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in historic downtown Savannah. We welcome you to attend any and all of these events and learn about our rich Irish heritage.

Savannah’s first St. Patrick’s Day Parade was in 1813, only 80 years after the city was founded by General James Oglethorpe. A small group of Hibernians organized and marched on the streets of Savannah to remember the death of our Patron Saint, Saint Patrick of Ireland. Over the years the city prospered with Irish immigrants due to the potato famine and political persecution their country faced. We are proud to carry on the tradition our ancestors began almost 200 years ago.

Stepping off at 10:15 a.m. sharp, the three-hour parade consists of over 350 units, including several U.S. military divisions, many award-winning bands, and the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales. Some of the bands include the 282nd U.S. Army Band (Fort Jackson, S.C.), The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps (Fort Myers, VA), U.S. Coast Guard Pipes and Drums (Norfolk, VA), Irish Air Corps Pipes and Drums (Dublin, Ireland), and many more outstanding marching units.

The Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Committee organizes the parade and its surrounding events. The Committee is composed entirely of volunteers who work diligently all year preparing for the festivities. Members of the Adjutant’s Staff, led by Mike Kenny, will be in charge come the Top O’ the Mornin’. Known as the ‘men in the white coats’, they will be there to welcome you and be sure the parade runs smoothly.

The Official Parade Magazine is another key component to our success. It would not be possible without the support of our advertising businesses and families. Vice Chairman Brendan Sheehan chairs this year’s magazine. Please contact Brendan at 912-547-5427 if you would like to be a part of this special publication.

The Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Committee would like to thank Bishop Hartmayer, Monsignor O’Neill, and the entire Diocese of Savannah. Their presence and participation at many of our events enriches the celebration.

The City of Savannah, Chatham County, and the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police are to be commended as well for their service, support, and dedication to preserve this tradition and keep our patrons safe.

In keeping with Irish tradition, I would like to close with this blessing:

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
May the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And, until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Erin Go Bragh!
Michael Foran
General Chairman