Hilton Head St. Patrick’s Day parade returns for 40th year

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (WTOC) - The Hilton Head St. Patrick’s Day Parade is set to make its triumphant return to the streets in just over a month.

This year marks the 40th celebration of one of South Carolina’s longest-running parades—a comeback after weather forced organizers to cancel last year’s festivities.

Despite the disappointment of the cancellation, the parade didn’t go unnoticed. The parade earned recognition for its dedication to the beloved tradition.

What began as a small group of people walking down the road to celebrate their Irish heritage has blossomed into a must-see event that draws families and visitors from across the region.

“It is the one event that is family-friendly, it’s free, you can watch from a bazillion places and enjoy all that the island offers at the same time,” Hilton Head Island St. Patrick’s Parade Chairwoman, Gabrielle Muething, said.

This year will hold special significance for the parade community. It will be the first celebration without Tom Reilley, the founder who brought the parade to Hilton Head Island and transformed it into one of the state’s best celebrations.

To honor Reilley’s legacy and his vision of bringing the community together, his wife, Diane, will serve as the grand marshal this year.

Dianne has been by Tom’s side since the very beginning of the parade tradition.

“It means a lot because this was my husband’s thing,” Diane shared, expressing the emotional significance of this milestone.

The 40th Annual Hilton Head St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on March 15th and will start at 2:00 PM.

Organizers invite everyone to attend with just a few simple requirements: wear green, bring a chair, find a good spot to sit, and enjoy the celebration.

Admission is free, and viewing locations are abundant throughout the parade route.