Are You Ready to Party at the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Savannah, Georgia?

One of the best Adult parties on the east coast in a few weeks will be the annual 184^th St. Patrick's day parade in Savannah, Georgia. This is the second largest parade in the United States. The live music, the parade, southern food, and thousands of people. If you enjoy Celtic, pop, rock, or alternative music, you will hear awesome live music. Before you plan your trip, do you know what people in Savannah are talking about?

During a recent public safety meeting, officials gathered to talk about the safety issues of the parade. The city of Savannah in considering selling permits to people in attendance. The police may allow a limited number of people onto River Street, where the festival is held. The time of the parade may be delayed. A proposal involving selling permits to allow parade goers a spot in a 20 by 20 foot area in the parade for $25. The permits would go on sale at the Civic center on a Saturday, a month before the parade starts. These proposed ideas, are mainly addressing the issues of the large crowds mixed with liquor. "It's not a question of if", ""It's a question of when" Anemone stated.

Is this a family friend event? Absolutely not.

The Family friendly events are held in the week leading up to the St. Patrick's Day parade. The most popular event is Tara Feis. This is an Irish celebration that takes place on Saturday Mach 8^th, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Emmet Park witch is as the east end of Bay Street. This event is hosted by the City of Savannah's Department of Cultural Affairs. It is held outdoors and showcases the Irish culture. There is plenty of dancing, live music, and on stage performances by a group named Atlan. There are no admission fees.

For more information on events visit www.savannahga.gov/arts

Complete calendar of city events.

Official event schedule of the Saint Patrick's day parade. *Lists many events that liquor is not being served.

Are you considering bringing your precious children to the parade?

"When you have alcohol, you males (and) tight spaces, that's a recipe for disaster" said Lou Anemone, a New York City Police Department, retired officer.

Many people will have their children at the parade. Lining the streets early, with their lawn chairs at 6 a.m. Waiting for the floats and excitement to begin. The parade begins in the historic district at 10:15 in the morning on March 14^th. The 600 block Abercorn where it meets Bull Street, Broughton and Bay street, between East Broad and Bull is a good viewing location of the parade. The celebration continues at City Market, which is also downtown. There are many unique shops, live entertainment, games, and restaurants.

Cautions.

Facts

2007

The Savannah police department arrested 223 people across the entire four days festivities.

2006

159 people were arrested during the St. Patrick's day festivities.

2004

An out of control vehicle hit and injured eight people trying to enjoy the events.

Public urination and destruction of property is a common sight.

Consider the facts listed above before bringing anyone under 18 to the St. Patrick's Day festivities. Know that many residents who live in Savannah are not bringing their children to the St. Patrick's Day Festivities. Several professionals are avoiding the area, during this time period. Many family friendly businesses that operate downtown, such as the Savannah Safari.

www.savannahsafari.com

A walking tour group for children, will be closed that weekend for safety reasons. If you are bringing your children, consider finding them alternative activities away from downtown, with a trusted adult during the parade.