The 38th Hilton Head Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the highlight of IrishFest weekend on the island, will step off at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 12, on Pope Avenue near Lowcountry Celebration Park, 94 Pope Ave., and ending at Office Park Road.
The parade is expected to draw thousands of participants and spectators of all ages from around the region.
Scheduled to march are a number of pipe and drum bands, including Boston Police, Charleston, Coastal Carolina Shields and U.S. Border Patrol. In addition, the U.S. Navy Band will march in our parade for the first time, and an Irish rock band from Boston, The Fenian Sons, will return for the second year. Several area high school bands and performance troupes will participate as well – for a total of 15 confirmed bands.
Local businesses, schools and nonprofits will be represented with colorful floats, cars, trucks, boats and other vehicles, along with local and state dignitaries. Registration is open on the website for entries wishing to participate.
The previous day, Saturday, March 11, at 4 p.m. the second annual Irish Concert will be held at Lowcountry Celebration Park, featuring The Fenian Sons and Boston Police Gaelic Column Pipe & Drum. This is a great opportunity to get into the Irish spirit in advance of the big event the next day.
This event is free and open to the public. Food trucks will be onsite, and beverages will be available for sale. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets to sit and enjoy the music.
For more information and to enter your business, nonprofit, school or other group in the parade, visit hiltonheadireland.org.