Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day parade one month away

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) -With 28 days until St. Patrick’s Day, the city is in full preparation mode for its biggest celebration, now in its 202nd year.

The St. Patrick’s Day parade is expected to transform downtown Savannah into a sea of green, drawing tens of thousands of people to the streets. The parade committee is putting the final touches on what organizers say will be a memorable and safe celebration.

John Patrick Beytagh Jr., this year’s general chairman, has participated in the St. Patrick’s Day parade his entire life. The holiday’s traditions run deep in his family.

“My father served on the parade committee executive committee in the mid 80s. Both of his brothers were on the executive committee around the same time. My grandfather was grand marshal in 76,” Beytagh said.

This year is especially meaningful for Beytagh. It marks the 50th anniversary of his grandfather being honored as a deceased past grand marshal, the same year Beytagh is serving as general chairman.

“It’s really a cool dynamic,” he said.

Beytagh joked that planning for the parade starts almost immediately after the last one ends.

“There’s a little truth in that,” he said.

As preparations continue, organizers are working closely with the Savannah Police Department to ensure the celebration runs smoothly.

“Just, be vigilant,” said Sergeant Joshua Flynn with SPD.

While the department will not discuss specific security plans for safety reasons, officers said they will be watching closely for drunk drivers.

“Folks need to make sure that they’re not doing that because we’re going to be out looking for those people actively,” Flynn said.

Officers also advise people to travel in groups, and plan for transportation ahead of time.

Additionally, police stress the importance of not parking along the parade route. Cars will begin being towed at 12:01 AM on the morning of the parade. If your car is towed, you will need to go to Savannah Police Headquarters at 201 Habersham Street to get your release form and find out where your car is.

The parade is set to step off at 10:15 a.m. at the Cathedral on St. Patrick’s Day. St. Patrick’s festivities are already getting started, with the Grand Marshall Election taking place this Sunday.