It is the second largest in the United States; it is certainly the most welcoming; and the Irish community takes its religious implications seriously. For the second year in a row, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Savannah has been canceled as many believe the Hostess City’s downtown crowds should be avoided. While the city is open for business, it is going to be quite different than the revelry we enjoyed just a short time ago.
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Savannah traces its roots to 1824, and during the 2019 procession, Savannah proudly welcomed 280 bands, families, societies, soldiers, public servants, and commercial floats to grace the nation’s largest historic district. Sadly, the challenges and safety concerns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the cancelation of the one hundred ninety-sixth anniversary parade last year and now the one hundred ninety-seventh in 2021. This year will offer something new that organizers plan to continue for many years to come.
With a deep sensitivity for those affected by the pandemic, while embracing safety precautions, several organizations banded together to offer an alternative experience for this year’s festivities. It’s outdoors, socially distanced, family-friendly, filled with Irish significance, and … it floats!
Working to keep the spirit of St. Patrick Day alive in Savannah, Ga., event organizers are thrilled to announce the inaugural Shamrock Ships Flotilla, with remote viewing on SavannahCams.com and a COVID-conscious Shamrock Soiree at the Savannah Convention Center on March 17.
“This is a great alterative to the street parade, and we are proud to partner with this event,” said Tara Reese, president of the Savannah Irish Festival. “Not only is the Shamrock Ships Flotilla socially distanced, it’s a responsible way to continue the tradition while honoring the history of the Savannah Irish.” (Reese is referring to Savannah’s original Irish community who came to Savannah on famine ships from County Wexford.)
Boat parades are not a new occurrence, and Savannah has seen its share. Savannah has enjoyed the Christmas Boat Parade of Lights each Saturday after Thanksgiving for the last 20 years. Many boaters from that event are getting together in similar fashion to celebrate safely and share their spirit with the viewing public.
Savannah’s Shamrock Ships Flotilla includes a procession of 40 powerboats, sailboats, yachts, and skiffs, decked out in St. Paddy’s attire, floating area waterways and passing viewers at the Shamrock Soiree. Want to float, but don’t own a boat? No worries! Interested parties can charter one from the fleet provided by Outside Savannah, which includes a Coast Guard-rated captain and area tour. Prizes are awarded to registered captains for best decorations and ship spirit. And a people’s choice award will help raise funds for area charities.
The Savannah Convention Center’s 70,000 square feet of riverfront greenspace will host a limited number of guests, each with a reserved seat, to enjoy the Shamrock Ships as they pass between 12 and 3 p.m. on March 17. Spreading out on the sprawling lawns, the family-friendly atmosphere will feature live music, Irish dancers, festive drinks, traditional Irish foods from premiere food trucks, vendor experiences, and easy parking. This unique event has all the best elements of a Savannah’s St. Patrick’s experience without the large crowds.
Perhaps best of all, proceeds from each seating section are donated to help worthy causes such as the 200 Club of the Coastal Empire, Greenbriar Children’s Center, and others. An online and on-site auction will also help raise funds for organizations in great need of community support.
Organizers are embracing all federal, state, and local ordinances concerning COVID-19 and incorporating health recommendations to provide a safe experience for all. Boaters will also enjoy the comfort in having support vessels from the U.S. Coast Guard and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources along the way.
Above all, the Shamrock Ships Flotilla and associated events are designed to bring live events back to life safely.
What: Dozens of decorated boats, floating Lowcountry waterways, celebrating the spirit of St. Paddy’s Day
When/Where: March 17. Shamrock Soiree open from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Flotilla will pass the Convention Center 1-3 p.m.
Parking: Convention Center parking, $5
Who: Rising Tide Experiences, Savannah Irish Festival, DBC Radio, SavannahCams.com.
Details: ShamrockShips.com
