There's No Other Event like the Savannah St. Patrick's Day Celebration

Throughout my years at Georgia Southern University there was no single holiday that was more loved than St. Patrick's Day. It was a day that all students looked forward to as soon as February rolled around. It was over the excitement of hitting the city of Savannah and spending most of the day waiting to head down to River Street for the afternoon, evening and night festivities.

Savannah, which is well known for it's parade, offers the second largest St. Patty's Day Parade in the nation. The parade lasts for a solid three hours and consists of "350 units, including several U.S. military divisions, many award-winning bands, and the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales." Once the parade is over it leaves the afternoon for tourists to walk up and down historic Savannah's Bay Street, River Street and a chance to drive through the city to see some of the most beautiful antebellum homes in Savannah.

St. Patrick's Day 1996

During the spring of 1996 I was into my second quarter of college and enjoying everything about school. After getting over the initial homesickness I was having a great time with my new friends and we had plans to head to the St. Patty's Day event once classes were out. Though I didn't have a clue how big or important the St. Patrick's Day Parade was for the people of Savannah; we as students were excited to have a no-holds-barred good time.

After my classes were over for the day I went to my dorm room to prepare for the night of festivities. I had purchased Manic Panic prior and began to dye my hair for the occasion. The color was a deep dark green. I wore a short sleeve green v-neck shirt, jean shorts and tall green Doc Marten's. I was ready, for what I wasn't sure, but I was going to have the time of my life.

River Street

Parking was a bear in Savannah during the yearly event and after finding a spot in the parking deck my friends and I strolled down Bay street and slowly walked down the narrow stairs that led to River Street. The street ended and became a wall of people. The mix of people came from everywhere and as some of the tourists were leaving there were tons of college kids, military troops, and Savannians there to take their place for the night's festivities of rambunctiousness.

Scent-sensations

There is nothing like the smell of River Street on St. Patty's day and even after all these years I can remember it like it was yesterday. The combination of the damp weather, body odor, cheap perfume and beer was thick and clung to anyone in the crowd.

Among all the smells how could I forget the smell of the River Street Sweets? The smell of caramel wafting out of the sweet shop was enough to lure every person in. It was a small piece of heaven among the miss-mosh of one of Savannah's largest events.

Getting Your Drink On

Although I've never been a drinker I will never forget the first time I saw green beer. Nearly everyone was carrying a plastic up of the green libation and if it wasn't being drank it was being spilled on the person next to you or on the street.

Wet Willie's, one of the most popular bars on River Street; was easily fifty people deep at the bar with a line that led outside. It was, and still is, the quintessential watering hole for St. Patty's Day.

Going Green

The St. Patty's Day celebration put a whole new meaning to "going green" and everyone was a willing participant. Green hair, skin, beads, beer, clothes and a very green Savannah River was popular before the "going green" movement began. Although I didn't believe the rumors that the river would be dyed green I could not have been more mistaken. Barrels of green food dye was poured into the Savannah River with throngs of people watching and shouting for this very special and favorite part of the event.

Over the years I look back at the many St. Patty's Day celebrations I have been a part of and must admit that my first Savannah style event is my most fond memory of St. Patrick's Day.