Get green at the Hilton Head Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade!
Founded in 1983 by local business icon Tom Reilley and a few friends and family, the Hilton Head Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade has grown to become one of the Island’s most beloved and events and is South Carolina’s oldest parade! Upwards of 25,000 spectators (in a town of approximately 40,000 permanent residents) line Pope Avenue each spring to enjoy floats and marching groups representing local businesses and charities, high school and university marching bands, the U.S. Marine Corps Band from Parris Island, pipe and drum bands, a procession of local dignitaries, and the always popular Shriners with their hilarious antics.
Over the years the Parade has also featured the iconic Budweiser Clydesdales, military jet flyovers, the Planter’s Peanut Nutmobile with Mr. Peanut, the Oscar Meyer Wienermobile, and Nashville recording star Michelle Murray among other special attractions. Our parade was recognized in 2002 as one of the Top 20 Tourism Events in the Southeast. This is a wonderful honor and our community is very proud! In 2013 the Parade received a commendation from Hilton Head Island’s Town Council in celebration of its 30th anniversary. Now, after many years – we remain the Islanders’ welcome to spring and favorite event.
IrishFest starts on Saturday, March 11th with an Irish Concert at Lowcountry Celebration Park in the afternoon.
On Sunday, March 12th, thousands of people from near and far will gather in Hilton Head Island to witness the 38th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade! The procession kicks off at 3 p.m., starting on Pope Avenue near Lowcountry Celebration Park – with a new addition this year: US Navy Band making their first appearance ever! Joining them are Boston Police Pipeband, Charleston Pipes & Drums Corps , Coastal Carolina Shields and U.S Border Patrol. Irish Rock band ‘The Fenian Sons’ as well as local high school bands and dance troupes perform. The parade will proudly march down Pope Avenue Sunday, March 12th at 3 p.m. This year, Stan Smith serves as the Grand Marshal.
On the eve of St. Patrick’s Day, Lowcountry Celebration Park will be home to a musical spectacular! This Saturday at 4 p.m. immerse yourself in traditional Irish culture with The Fenian Sons and Boston Police Gaelic Column Pipe & Drum bands for an unforgettable evening celebrating Ireland.
FLOAT AWARDS:
- Grand Marshal Award: Awarded to the Best Small Business float
- Shamrock Award: Awarded to the Best Non-Profit float
- Judges Award: Awarded to the Best Commercial float
- Leprechaun Award: Awarded to the Best Youth float
- Irish Heritage Award: Awarded to the Best Irish Heritage float
The Breeze Trolley will run 1-way trips from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on parade day. The Breeze picks up at USCB Hilton Head and drops off near Lowcountry Celebration Park. No other stops will be made. This event is free and open to the public. Food trucks will be onsite, and beverages will be available for sale. Attendees should bring chairs or blankets to sit and enjoy the music.
Source: hiltonheadireland.org.
