After a rough finale to 2024 weatherwise with snow storms and hurricanes along with a nail-biting election, Augustans should be ready to let their hair down and get ready for some some warmer temperatures and good ‘ole green Irish luck to return to the Garden City.
Sponsored by the Irish American Heritage Society, the 48th annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade is scheduled for Monday, March 17, at 2 p.m.
At one time, it seemed that the Covid-19 pandemic and its aftermath would kill off the near 50 year annual event, first with a long hiatus and then having the event held off of Broad Street, which dampened the enthusiasm and the economic impact.
The city of Augusta has a long and celebrated Irish history, with many Irish escaping the Potato famine and immigrating first to Savannah, then finding a permanent home in Augusta.
The city became home to the storied Sheehan family, as well as one of Augusta’s most beloved former mayors, Patrick Walsh, whose memorial statue still stands on the grounds of U.S. Federal Court downtown.
Founded in 1978, the Irish American Heritage Society has been dedicated to celebrating and preserving Irish culture, history, and traditions in Augusta and they are to be applauded for not only fighting to keep the event alive, but working with business owners and law enforcement to ensure a fun and safe time for everyone.
Not only does the parade give CSRA natives a fun chance to get out and enjoy the festivities, but the event is also a “pre-tournament” shot-in-the-arm for local downtown bars and restaurants as people come from all over the Southeast to attend and enjoy some luck of the Irish.
We hope the whole of our readership will make plans to come out and support the Irish American Heritage Society and make this year’s parade a success.
Erin go bragh!
