Keeping the Spirit of St. Patrick’s Day Alive

Photo courtesy of Savannah’s Shamrock Ships

For the second year in a row, Savannah’s famous St. Patrick’s Day parade is cancelled due to pandemic concerns and health protocols. However, Savannahians are working harder than ever to keep the spirit of the beloved tradition alive.

The resilient spirit of Savannah shines through adversity yet again as the Shamrock Ships Steering Committee (Savannah Irish Festival, Bernays, Inc., Rising Tide Experiences, Savannah Riverboat Cruises, Outside Savannah, Savannah Convention Center and Savannah Cams) announces the inaugural Shamrock Ships Flotilla which sets sail on March 17, 2021 at 12 p.m. (through 3 p.m.). A flotilla is “a fleet of ships or boats, especially” or “a procession of vessels,” and is a perfect alternative to Savannah’s traditional St. Patrick’s Day parade. The show must go on—safely—and what better way to celebrate the day than with a flotilla down the iconic Savannah River?

Details

The Event: Savannah’s Shamrock Ships Flotilla

Where: The Parade will assemble from Turners Creek, through Thunderbolt, around Elba Island and proceed to the Savannah Convention Center. The fleet is targeting 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. to pass the Convention Center.

When: 12 p.m. through 3 p.m.

What: Register to participate as an individual party or business, or charter a boat with a certified captain. Register or charter here.

Photo courtesy of Savannah’s Shamrock Ships

There are four ways the get involved in this event:

1. Join the flotilla!

Interested parties can participate in one of three ways: individual registration, group registration, or chartered experience. Prizes are available for the best decorations and a popular vote contest will be held to benefit local charities. The individual registration fee is $30-$40 and includes one souvenir vinyl boat number banner, a parade t-shirt, two reserved seats at the Shamrock Ships Soiree and eligibility for the contests (and thus, prizes!). Register here.

Businesses and organizations can register for $100-$250 and enjoy: one souvenir vinyl boat banner featuring a logo of choice, have a logo of choice added to the parade t-shirts (each group gets four free of charge), six reserved seats at the Shamrock Ships Soiree and eligibility for the contests. Register here.

Participants can also charter a Shamrock Ship and enjoy a private flotilla experience with a registered captain that includes a three-hour guided tour, inclusion on the flotilla route, a cooler and fuel. Learn more here.

2. Watch the event live on Savannah Cams.

Shamrock Ships Flotilla has partnered with Savannah Cams (savannahcams.com) to promote social distancing and safe practices. The event committee discourages River Street viewing and encourages web streaming via savannahcams.com. Viewers can tune in from anywhere near and far, out and about or at home.

3. Celebrate safely at the Savannah Soiree.

The Shamrock Soiree encourages safe celebration and viewing of the Shamrock Ships Flotilla on the day of the event from 11 a.m. through 5 p.m. Guests will enjoy plenty of space (64,000 square feet), a family-friendly atmosphere, live music, festive drinks, traditional Irish foods from premiere food trucks, and vendor experiences. Guests can choose seats that will be reserved all day long. Each section of seating will designate funds for a different organization and a portion of proceeds will be donated to each chosen organization. The Shamrock Ships Steering Committee will be presenting various artists to keep the party going. Slainte!

4. Support the event.

Partner charities can leverage the event as a fundraiser via consignment ticket sales by creating affiliated watch parties or other unique selling propositions with a percent of proceeds reserved for appropriate charitable causes. Contact David Moses at 912.220.6875 to connect your organization to the event’s fleet of Rising Tide Experiences. Vendor and exhibitor spaces are limited but welcomed. Sponsors enjoy promotional value through event media partners, at-event activations, and tangible benefits like Soiree tickets and access to chartered vessels. Explore vendor booths and sponsorship opportunities by contacting David Moses at 912.220.6875 or email david.moses@bernaysinc.com

For more information about this event, visit shamrockships.com.