SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) – St. Patrick’s Day is still a few days away, but Savannah is already awash in green.
Thousands of visitors are kicking off a four-day celebration this weekend that will close with Savannah’s sprawling St. Patrick’s Day parade on the actual Irish holiday Tuesday.
City workers set the mood Friday with the annual tradition of pouring green dye in the fountains throughout Savannah’s parks and oak-shaded squares. Bar owners were stocking up for thirsty crowds all weekend long. Tourism officials reported solid hotel bookings but said some of Savannah’s 15,300 rooms were still available heading into the weekend.
Savannah has been celebrating St. Patrick’s Day for 191 years, dating back to the first parade organized by the city’s Irish immigrants in 1824.