So what's different this year?
River Street won’t have gated entrances, as has been the case in the past, and in a new development this year there will be NO requirement for wristbands for those who want to drink alcohol. In other words, bring your ID.
You can walk around and drink in Savannah?
Yes, “to–go cups” are one of the most civilized and enlightened things about our fair city. Anyone 21 or over can legally walk around with an open container of the alcoholic beverage of their choice, provided the cup is Styrofoam or plastic and not over 16 ounces.
To–go cups are allowed in the “festival area” of Savannah, which is north of Jones, east of Boundary and MLK Boulevard, and west of East Broad. That includes most all of downtown.
How do I get breaking public safety news during the St. Patrick’s Day celebration?
Follow the City of Savannah on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cityofsavannah.
I just scored an AWESOME parking spot right on the parade route. Can I just take that bag thingie off the meter?
Sure, if you want your car towed! To retrieve a towed car, you must first get a release form from police HQ at 201 Habersham St. Proof of ownership required!
OK, but what’s the deal with parking meters in general?
• Thursday, March 17: No on–street enforcement during the festival period.
• Friday, March 18: Regular operations resume; parking meters and time zones will be enforced normally.
• Saturday, March 19: Enforcement of safety violations only.
• Sunday, March 20: Enforcement of safety violations only.
How about City parking garages?
All City of Savannah parking garages will be open 24 hours March 17-19.
Rates are as follows:
• Thursday, March 17, 8 a.m. until Friday, March 18 at 8 a.m., parking is $15. Vehicles exiting after 8 a.m. on Friday will be charged an additional $15
• Friday, March 18, 8 a.m. until Saturday, March 19 at 8 a.m., parking will be $15. Vehicles exiting after 8am on Saturday will be charged an additional $15.
• Saturday, March 19, 8 a.m. until Sunday, March 20 at 8 a.m., parking will be $15.
Vehicles exiting after 8 a.m. on Sunday, March 20 will be charged as follows: Bryan, Robinson and State St. Garages – $5; Liberty St – $1; Whitaker St – $10
Vehicles exiting after 8 a.m. on Monday, March 21 will be charged the daily rate of $1 per hour.
Can I park on Hutchinson Island?
Yes. Parking for the parade will be available at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center beginning at 7 a.m. and ending at 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 17, for a fee of $10 per vehicle including a round trip on the water ferry for all vehicle passengers.
The Trade Center Parking Lot will NOT admit vehicles after 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 17. Friday, March 18, parking will be available from 8 a.m.–3 p.m. for a fee of $5 per vehicle including a round trip on the water ferry for all vehicle passengers.
The water ferry will run from Savannah International Trade & Convention Center beginning at 7:10 a.m. until midnight for the convenience of Trade Center and Westin guests.
Screw it, can I just take the bus instead?
Please do! Chatham Area Transit (CAT) will provide a St. Patrick’s Day shuttle from 8–11 a.m. from the following locations:
• Westside at the Westside Shopping Center on Hwy 80 in Garden City
• Eastside at the Island Towne Centre on Whitemarsh Island
• Southside at the Savannah Mall near the carousel in the rear.
Patrons may park at these locations and ride the shuttles into downtown. Shuttles will begin return trips from downtown from noon–3 p.m.
After 3 p.m., shuttle patrons can return to their cars via CAT’s fixed routes:
• 3A and 3B routes will return within a block of the Westside Shopping Center.
• 10 East Savannah and 24 Savannah State/Wilmington Island routes return to Island Towne Centre.
• 14 Abercorn will return to the Savannah Mall.
A $5 advance fare pass provides a ride to the parade and a return trip. The pass will be available for $7 on St. Patrick’s Day. Have correct change!
Is it a good idea to bring small children to River Street after the parade?
Not at all, but they’re certainly allowed. After the parade and on into the night, the vibe on River Street is clearly geared toward adults. Trust us on this.
Check it out, bro. My beer–drinking Frisbee dog with the green bandanna is going to LOVE River Street.
Perhaps, but no dogs, regardless of how cute, are allowed on River Street during the St. Patrick’s celebration.
I drank a lot of green beer in to–go cups and now I really have to pee. Where can I go?
Our city tax dollars have provided over 350 portable toilets along the parade route and River Street. You’re welcome!
No worries, I’ll just whip it out right here on the sidewalk.
No. Don’t. We live on these streets. Our police are extraordinarily sensitive to public urination and arrest dozens of people every year for this offense. Anyone charged will be processed on scene and transported to the Chatham County Detention Center, 1050 Carl Griffin Dr., off Chatham Parkway, (912) 652–7700.
I’m like so wasted. Where’s the best place to flag a taxi?
Taxi stands will be located in two locations and operate on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Taxi stand locations are:
• Indian Street between Warner and Fahm.
• St. Julian Street between Whitaker and Bull.
Can I call it “St. Patty’s Day?”
We’d rather you not. Patty is a girl’s name. At least call it “St. Paddy’s Day” since that’s the proper Irish nickname.
How about “St. Pat’s?”
Whatever.
