Shellman Bluff Parade happening this weekend

by WTOC Staff

DARIEN, Ga. (WTOC) - Irish festivities are still going strong in coastal Georgia, with the Shellman Bluff St. Patrick’s Day parade and celebration set for this Saturday.

This year marks a special milestone — the event’s Silver Jubilee, celebrating 25 years of community tradition.

The Friends of Shellman Bluff have organized the celebration since its beginning, turning it into a major fundraiser for the local volunteer fire department. Over the years, the event has grown tremendously, now drawing crowds large enough to nearly double the town’s population.

With a record turnout expected this weekend, the McIntosh County Sheriff’s Office held a command staff meeting earlier this week to ensure everything runs safely and smoothly.

Officials say they are prepared to handle the crowds while keeping the focus on fun and community.

“We’re not calling in a bunch of outside agencies — we think we can handle things ourselves,” officials said. “The main thing is we just want everybody to have a great time. We want people to be safe, respect each other, and enjoy the day.”

The impact of the event goes beyond celebration. This year alone, the Friends of Shellman Bluff have raised $90,000, supporting both the volunteer fire department and scholarships for graduating McIntosh Academy High School seniors.

The parade kicks off Saturday morning at 11:00.