Thank you for visiting the official website of the 2013 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 16, 2013, for the 189th 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:
Erin Go Bragh!
Michael Foran
General Chairman
|
