If you have lived on or around Hilton Head Island over the past four decades, it’s more than likely you have attended what has become the largest single-day event in town. This year, the 40th iteration of the event – the Hilton Head Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade – will be held Sunday, March 15, starting at 2 p.m. along Pope Avenue.
The Charleston Pipe Band is a familiar sight on the parade route – and afterward at Reilley’s, where they continue to play.
The number assigned to this year’s event might be confusing, because longtime islanders know the parade was first held in March 1983. That was when restaurateur Tom Reilley invited some friends to take a stroll with him along Greenwood Drive on St. Patrick’s Day to celebrate their Irish heritage – and his new restaurant that was conveniently on the route.
Reilley had no idea he was starting what would become a beloved tradition. In fact, he didn’t plan anything the next year. Friends bombarded him with questions: “What happened to your parade?” “How come we aren’t doing that again?” “That was fun! Can we do another one?”
Some folks take it very seriously when encouraged to wear green on parade day.
And so, in 1985, the parade resumed – and continued yearly, uninterrupted until 2020. Covid took its toll over two years. And last year, the “rain or shine” parade was cancelled at nearly the last minute due to an extreme rainstorm with lightning.
It is fitting that Diane Reilley, Tom’s wife, was named Grand Marshal last year, and will reprise her role this year. She will lead the way along the route, ahead of eight pipe and drum bands, three high school bands, local dignitaries in nice cars, the giant Idaho Potato, StarMakers Dance Company, and dozens of local nonprofits, civic clubs, and community groups. And all this will be preceded by a jet flyover from Charleston Air Force Base and an aerial accompaniment by the Coast Guard.
Entire families of all ages set up their spot along the route to enjoy the parade.
While the parade is not billed like a festival held at a large venue, the excitement is the same – or stronger. “It’s the most joy that I think our community experiences because it’s so different from golf or car shows or other festivals,” said Gabrielle Muething, co-chair of the parade committee. “I mean, everybody loves all the big events and festivals here, and they make great memories, but it’s not the same as a parade. Rather than walking around toward things, you’re standing there in your spot and it happens to you! It comes to you and goes right past you! I never get tired of that.”
And it’s all free to attend.
While there will not be an Irish concert the day before the parade this year, Muething said the committee is looking at ways to increase the festival spirit by connecting visitors with goings-on at nearby community businesses. “We want them to truly participate like islanders do for this special weekend,” she said.
The New Haven County Firefighters Pipes & Drums band have been known to play on the beach at sunrise.
In addition to the expected parade participants, there’s a new option available on the website for attendees: discounted hotel rooms for the weekend. In partnership with a number of accommodations along or near the parade route, guests can book rooms as low as $99 per night.
“For any out-of-town people who want an affordable option to enjoy Hilton Head Island, they can book now and be close to the fun for a reasonable rate,” Muething said. “There’s a link right on the front page of our website.”
Families enjoy the fun whether riding on a float in the parade or watching from the sidelines.
Muething said the parade committee has been hard at work, as usual, for most of the past year. “We hear all the time that the parade looks seamless when you’re watching, and we’ve heard that some folks think there are 100 people putting it all together. They have no idea there are only nine people on the planning committee,” she said.
Pets on a leash are welcome to join their people.
Muething has been on the committee since almost the beginning, along with two other locals. The remaining six members’ involvement ranges from about 25 years to one year. General volunteers on parade day might number from 30 to 50.
Creative adaptations of ordinary vehicles make for fun floats.
As always, volunteers are being sought to help out on parade day. “It’s the most fun way to see a parade,” Muething said. “You think it’s great when it’s coming at you? As a volunteer, you can be there as it happens. You’ve heard me say it before: My favorite moment of the parade is when I’m standing there and everyone is excited and ready to go, and then they start coming toward me. It gets me every time!”
Registration is open for participants from businesses, schools, churches, and other groups at hiltonheadireland.org. Volunteers are also needed and welcome to register at hiltonheadireland.org.
The ginormous Idaho Potato is scheduled again this year.
