News Summary
On March 17, Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools will be closed for a school-based holiday in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, giving students an extra day off to enjoy the festivities. This closure was confirmed after initial confusion during a city workshop. As students revel in parades and performances, district staff will continue operations. Increased safety measures will be in place for the parade, ensuring a secure environment for all participants and spectators as Savannah gears up for this exciting event.
Savannah Schools to Close for St. Patrick’s Day Fun
Hey there, Savannah! Get ready because our beloved city is gearing up for its fabulous St. Patrick’s Day celebrations on March 17. And guess what? The Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools (SCCPSS) are joining in on the festivities with a school closure that day. That means students get an extra day off to enjoy the vibrant parades, colorful floats, and all the fun that comes with this special holiday.
What’s Happening with School Closure
Recently, there was a little mix-up during a city workshop about the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day plans. A city official mentioned that schools would be open on March 17. However, that information was quickly cleared up! Schools will be officially closed for the day, giving students a fantastic opportunity to celebrate. This closure has been listed as a school-based Staff and Student Holiday on the SCCPSS calendar for the 2024-2025 academic year, so students can mark it in their calendars without any worries.
While kiddos enjoy their holiday, district staff will still be hard at work at the central office and other facilities. They’re not taking the day off, so services and staff support continue even as students soak in the parade’s excitement!
Parade Highlights
Speaking of parades, excitement is building around the St. Patrick’s Day parade this year! The SCCPSS Superintendent and school leaders will be riding on the district’s float, celebrating the green spirit of the day. Expect to see performances from various high school bands, cheerleaders, and color guard teams as they showcase their skills along the parade route.
Safety First
With all the excitement surrounding the parade, safety remains a top priority. More than two weeks before the event, Savannah police announced increased security measures to ensure everyone has a great time while staying safe. Water-filled barricades will be strategically placed throughout the parade route, particularly at River Street and City Market, to prevent any potential vehicle attacks, which have been a concern in large public gatherings.
The police department is taking extra steps this year, opting for a serpentine formation for the water barricades, with police vehicles filling in gaps for additional safety. However, some have raised questions regarding the barricades’ effectiveness. City officials are doubling the number of water barricades, and additional support like trash trucks and police vehicles will help create an even safer environment for all participants and spectators.
Special Celebrations Ahead
As Savannah approaches its 201st St. Patrick’s Day parade in 2025, there’s even more to celebrate! The Grand Marshal selected for the upcoming event is James “Jay” Burke III, a proud direct descendant of the famous Burke Clan of County Cork. Burke has been a passionate advocate for the Irish community in Savannah and hopes to inspire younger generations to engage with their heritage. His family connection to the role goes deep since his father held the same title in 1992!
This year, the city is turning up the volume on festivities and ensuring safety while allowing everyone to join in the warmth of community spirit. So, mark your calendars and prepare for a fantastic St. Patrick’s Day celebration filled with fun, culture, and pride for our beautiful city!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Savannah Gears Up for the 201st St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Additional Resources
- Savannah Now: Schools Closed on St. Patrick’s Day
- WTOC: Plans for St. Patrick’s Day Security
- WSAV: Jay Burke Selected as Grand Marshal
- PR Newswire: Hyundai Joins St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
- WTOC: Countdown to St. Patrick’s Day
- Wikipedia: Saint Patrick’s Day
- Google Search: St. Patrick’s Day
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Saint Patrick’s Day
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
