If you are planning to stay in one of your favorite Savannah bed & breakfast March 8th and 9th there are several events that you don't want to miss: The Greening of the Fountain, the Annual Shamrock Run benefiting the March of Dimes and the Tybee Island Irish Heritage Parade. All of these events are part of a weeklong celebration that lead up to the 189th St. Patrick's Day Parade.

THE GREENING OF THE FOUNTAIN 

For 200 years Savannah has celebrated St. Patrick's Day! The first parade was in 1813 and the event has grown into one of the largest celebrations in the country. Last year record numbers of over a half million attended the celebrations coming from all over the world and this year is sure to be as grand!

A cherished event in the festivities, The Greening of the Fountain has been celebrated for more than 60 years when green dye was thrown into the fountain as a result of some St. Patrick shenanigans. Apparently it was a hit because each year thousands of Irish and not so Irish, show up to watch green coloring poured into the fountain and turn the bleached white sculptures Irish green. But don't worry, the dye that is used today is eco friendly and will not damage the fountain.

The Greening of the Fountain will take place on Friday March 8th at 12 Noon in the heart of Forsyth Park at the fountain. 

The March of Dimes Shamrock Run is a 5K race to benefit the March of Dimes Foundation. The event is held in the early evening after the Greening of the Fountain and begins in the City Market of Savannah. Nearly 2,000 participants will run or walk from Jefferson Street, circle Forsyth Park and end at Ellis Square.

The Shamrock Run is a family event! Strollers and pets are welcomed and there is even a Kiddie Run for children ages 10 and under with no registration fee for kids. Enter the Green Du Jour Costume Contest by dressing as your favorite leprechaun for a chance to win $400 for 1st Place; $200 for 2nd Place or $100 for 3rd Place. Dress your pet for a chance at $100 for Best Pet.

There is a registration fee to run in the race, but if you miss the deadline you will be able to register late for $35 and if you don't want to participate in the race/walk, you can still join in the festivities and cheer on your favorite.

The St. Patrick's Day celebrations continue on Saturday, March 9th with the 11th annual Tybee Island Irish Heritage Parade. The parade begins at 3pm and begins at City Hall. Everyone is encouraged to dress in green! There will be large parade floats, marching bands, marchers and some treasures along the way. The Tybee Irish Heritage Parade is one of the many events that lead up to the crème de la crème...the Saint Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 16th.

City Hall to Tybrisa Street

Tybee Island