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Home » Destinations » Hilton Head » 2010 St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Hilton Head Island, SC

Four-legged revelers show off their Irish spirit during Hilton Head Island's St. Patty's Day parade!

Hilton Head Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade

2010 St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Hilton Head Island, SC

Join thousands for Hilton Head Island's family-friendly celebration of Irish spirit!

by Blanche T. Sullivan | March 11, 2010

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Hilton Head Island’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade may not comprise the largest gathering of St. Patty’s Day enthusiasts in the world, but the spectators it attracts are cheerful, energetic and enjoy celebrating the wearin’ of the green in one of the most pleasant locales in the world! Talk about a fun, family-friendly event! Hilton Head Island’s parade features many of the same elements offered by larger parades—lots of floats, food, entertainment and fun, but with a slightly less intimidating crowd size—about 20,000 versus the 500,000+ you’ll generally find with parades held in major cities.

History & Heritage
Typically hosted on the Sunday preceding St. Patrick’s Day (March 17), Hilton Head Island’s 2010 parade will represent the community’s 27th annual tribute to St. Patrick, and is considered by many locals to be a celebratory ‘kick off’ for spring. The parade began in 1983 as the brainchild of two local restaurateurs—Tom Reilley, owner of several Reilley’s restaurants, and the owner (at the time) of another restaurant, Casey’s Crustaceans, which is no longer around. According to ‘legend,’ the parade effort consisted of a small fire truck, a Dalmatian, the local fire department and a group of about 20 or 30 folks marching in the rain. Libations may also have been involved. The revelers made it less than a mile before authorities attempted to arrest them for neglecting to obtain a marching permit.

Floats, Food, & Tons of Fun
These days the Hilton Head Island’s St. Patrick’s Day parade annually attracts thousands of participants and attendees who enjoy the floats, clowns, beads, music, camaraderie and hospitality for which Hilton Head Island known.

The Parris Island Marine Band generally leads the parade and some of the parade’s past participants include: the Shriners of Savannah and Charleston, the Pipes and Drums of the Chicago Police Department, Ireland’s Prime Minister of Arts, Sports & Tourism and even the world famous Budweiser Clydesdales.

Many local businesses and groups participate via colorful, lively floats—passing out beads, candy and other goodies to foam hat- and shamrock-adorned spectators who line both sides of the parade route, or via concession stands, such as the Island Recreation Center. Many bars and restaurants adjacent to the parade route, such as Aunt Chilada’s, Wild Wing Cafe, the Dry Dock, Remy’s Bar & Grill, Hinchey’s Chicago Bar & Grill and Murphy’s Irish Pub, host sizable and/or festive soirées with live entertainment.

Event Time, Tips & Location
The parade, which begins at 3 p.m. on March 14, is a free, non-profit event that is open to the public and suitable for all ages. The parade route begins at Pope Avenue’s Coligny Plaza, next to a public (free) beach parking lot and, after a mile or so, winds up at Park Plaza, where the festivities continue at Kanaley’s Pub, Mellow Mushroom and nearby Reilley’s Grill & Bar.

Many spectators bring chairs and stake out their viewing areas early. It’s not necessary to camp out the night before, but make note that Pope Avenue will be blocked off as the parade start time approaches and the best spots to park your car, or self, will fill up quickly.

If you choose to indulge in some green beer, or other libations, be very careful to confine your consumption of adult beverages to designated areas (it’s illegal to consume alcohol outside restaurants / restaurant parking lots) and avoid overindulging. Beaufort County sheriff's deputies and S.C. Highway Patrol troopers will be stationed along the route and at businesses serving drinks, and will not hesitate to arrest and/or fine those who are not obeying the law or causing social unrest.

Grab your foam hat and bring your shamrocks down to Pope Avenue on March 14, and see for yourself why Hilton Head Island’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the best in the world!