It’s happening, y’all. Daylight hours are getting longer, and spring is about to, well, spring – on March 20, to be precise. I don’t know about you, but for me, each spring season is special because it symbolizes that time of year for new growth, a reemergence of the colorful and natural beauty of our home, and of course, awesome Hilton Head Island events that get most of us back outside after the chill of January and February. (I could call what we experience here “winter,” but I think our Northern- and Midwestern-born residents would just laugh at me.)
These events are wonderful opportunities to support our community, businesses, and overall local economy before the onslaught of the summer season, and to reconnect with all that this island has to offer.
The 30th annual Hilton Head Shamrock Run is scheduled for Saturday, March 15, from 8 to 10 a.m. This is a family tradition of promoting fun and fitness, and you can register for the run or find more information by visiting bearfootsports.com/shamrock-run.
The Hilton Head Ireland St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held on Sunday, March 16, starting at 2 p.m. at the Coligny Beach parking lot and proceeding down Pope Avenue. The traditions, celebration, and fun that this event embodies each year aren’t to be missed. This is the 40th year for the parade, with Diane Reilley, wife of founder Tom Reilley, serving as Grand Marshal.
Our town council and staff will participate in the parade, there are awards for the best floats, and you might just get a surprise or two – something the parade organizers are known to do. To learn more about participating or attending, visit hiltonheadireland.org.
On Saturday, March 22, we have the return of Wingfest from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lowcountry Celebration Park. Started 28 years ago, this springtime signature island event brings out some of our best restaurants for some healthy competition related to that game-time and picnic snack near and dear to so many of us. Add in some fun activities for kids, the town’s amazing park and playground, some great live music, and you’ve got yourself one heck of a Saturday.
So, let’s get outside, shed the weight of winter (a.k.a. January and February), and engage in nature’s annual celebration of color, warmth, and wonder.