St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day will be celebrated on Hilton Head Island with IrishFest – two days of fun that include the annual parade and an Irish concert.
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 end at Office Park Road.
The parade is expected to draw thousands of participants and spectators of all ages from around the region, according to the HHI St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee.
Local tennis legend Stan Smith was named the grand marshal.
The entrance to the staging area is on South Forest Beach Drive and the parade will begin at the Beach Parking entrance onto Pope Avenue.
Scheduled to march are a number of pipe and drum bands, including Boston Police, Charleston Pipe Band, Coastal Carolina Shields and U.S. Border Patrol.
In addition, the U.S. Navy Band will march in the 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.
On 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 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 on and enjoy the music.
Founded in 1983 by local business icon Tom Reilley and a few friends and family, the Hilton Head Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the oldest such parade in South Carolina, according to the parade’s website.
For more information and to enter a business, nonprofit, school or other group in the parade, visit hiltonheadireland.org.
IF YOU GO: Concert, 4 p.m. March 11; Parade, 3 p.m. March 12
CANDY/HANDOUTS: Candy and handouts are allowed, but because of safety concerns must be handed to the audience, not thrown or tossed by participants, including marchers, floats, and vehicles associated with the entry.
THE BREEZE TROLLEY: The Breeze Trolley will offer one-way trips from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on parade day, picking up at USCB Hilton Head and dropping off near Lowcountry Celebration Park.
