202nd Savannah St. Patrick’s Day parade draws crowds despite cold temperatures

by Shea Schrader

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - A cold start to the 202nd Savannah St. Patrick’s Day parade did not keep crowds away Tuesday morning, as spectators and participants turned out to watch the annual event.

Participants unfazed by the weather

Bobby Hughes, a member of the Wassau County Firefighters Pipes and Drums based in Long Island, New York, said the cold was not an issue.

“We’ve been down here when it’s been 80-something degrees when it’s St. Patrick’s Day, and we’ve marched in ankle deep rain on St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah,” Hughes said. “I’d still come here.”

Hughes said he prefers Savannah’s parade to New York’s, citing the crowd experience.

“You know, you’re marching down 5th Avenue and you’ve got 25 people this side behind fences, 25 feet that side behind fences. It’s cold, but here the crowd’s right on top of you,” Hughes said.

Parade participants reflect on the honor

Some parade participants said they recognized the significance of taking part in the event despite the weather conditions.

“It’s just something our families want us to realize how special it is,” said Troup Thomas, who was walking in the parade.

Jack Remeta, also walking in the parade, said the event holds particular meaning compared to celebrations elsewhere.

“I have cousins up in New Jersey, and St. Patrick’s Day isn’t as big up there as it is down here, and it’s more of a privilege to be walking and have this parade in general,” Thomas said.