SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) – Savannah’s 202nd St. Patrick’s Day parade is three weeks away, and organizers and city officials are already preparing for one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the country.
The parade steps off at 10:15 a.m. on March 17. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to claim a spot along the route.
Greening of the Fountain kicks off festivities
Celebrations begin before parade day. On March 6, families will gather in Forsyth Park as city leaders pour green dye into the historic fountain in what is known as the Greening of the Fountain.
Safety and open container rules
Local law enforcement said there will be an increased presence throughout the day. Officials are asking anyone who plans to drink to review the city’s open container rules ahead of the event.
Grand Marshal speaks on preparation
Marty Hogan, the newly elected Grand Marshal of the 202nd parade, said the event requires nearly a year of planning.
“There’s a lot to put on this parade, you know, that goes into it that people don’t know cause they wake up that morning,” Hogan said. “They either don’t go to mass, or they go to mass, and then they participate in it all and think it just happens overnight. They’re planning the next year about a week after, right. That’s how it is.”…