Hilton Head St. Patrick’s Day parade marks 40th Irish Fest

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - South Carolina’s oldest and largest St. Patrick’s Day parade marched down Pope Avenue on Sunday, marking the 40th annual Irish Fest on Hilton Head Island.

The celebration returned after last year’s parade was rained out. Crowds lined Pope Avenue and Office Park Drive to watch pipe bands, marching bands, and dance troupes perform along the route. Local Lowcountry and Georgia performers participated, along with out-of-state bands. Local businesses, elected officials, and community organizations also took part.

Paul Gentile walked with the Shipyard Men’s Club and performed a rendition of “Sweet Caroline” for the crowd.

“Lively crew, I mean people sang along as we went by and everything, yeah. Nice participation everywhere,” said Joyce Gentile. Fellow parade-goer Dianne Schaefer could be heard kazooing along with the festivities.

Parade-goers also received candy and beads along the route.

“A lot of people were giving, they were giving a lot of candy, a lot of beads,” one attendee said.

The Clydesdale horses, a fan favorite, were not part of this year’s parade. Attendees said their absence did not diminish the overall experience.

“I missed the Clydesdale Horses, but other than that it was over the top wonderful,” one parade-goer said.

The parade lasted approximately two hours. Following the event, crowds moved to local restaurants to continue the celebration.