Tybee Island Irish Heritage Parade returns next Saturday

TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (WTOC) -The Tybee Island Irish Heritage Parade returns next Saturday, March 14, marking its 23rd year and opening St. Patrick’s Day parade season on the Georgia coast.

The parade steps off at 3:15 p.m. from Tybee Island City Hall, travels down Butler Avenue to Tybrisa Street, and concludes along Strand Avenue.

Organizers advise arriving early, as parking in the area fills up quickly.

Jay Burke III, chairman and founder of the Tybee Island Irish Heritage Parade, said he launched the event so the island could celebrate Irish heritage.

“I want everybody really to get out. It’s entertaining, but it’s a family-oriented event where you can celebrate our Irish heritage. If you’re not Irish, you can still come down and enjoy it. Like they say, everybody’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day,” Burke said.

Burke said he is also looking forward to welcoming Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee to this year’s event.

“The Grand Marshal coming down with his aides and the general chairman really make it all come together,” Burke said.

Burke said safety is a priority for the celebration. He says they will be using barricades to keep spectators out of the roadway.

“We always want to make sure they have a good time, but we want to make sure everybody’s safe and they get to go home,” Burke said.