Let the Greening Begin

Wednesday, March 13, 2013 – Let the Greening Begin

When I planned our trip, I had no idea that it nearly coincided with the major event in Savannah’s calendar, St. Patrick’s Day.  In fact, I never would have guessed that the country’s second largest St. Patrick’s Day parade (after New York City’s) takes place here.  Over a million people participated in last year’s festivities, and an even larger crowd is expected this year.  The celebration got underway last weekend with the “greening of the fountains.”  Crowds have been flocking to the city from across the country, and hotels are completely booked.

On every street, stores are selling green T-shirts, leprechaun hats, and all sorts of sparkly green paraphernalia.  Saturday is the big day, when the parade will wind its way through the city, and a large part of the historic area will become a pedestrians-only green zone. Several bands will be performing.  The bars and taverns play a major role in the holiday celebration, and their windows are already plastered with Irish flags and shamrocks.  It seems that drinking will go on until the wee hours of the following morning.  Fortunately, we’re leaving on Thursday, before all the major excitement begins.  Our own St. Patrick’s Day celebration will be a little more low-key.  I’m volunteering at our congressman’s annual corned beef and cabbage St. Patrick’s Day dinner.