Meet the Savannahians who prove it's hip to be square at the St. Patrick's Day Parade
As the sun rose over downtown Savannah, hundreds of paradegoers were scuffling to find a street to settle on. Heavy police presence could be seen around Liberty Street as motorists were ushered away from closed roadways.
The squares, however, were open to anyone.
While the city boasts nearly two dozen squares, many of which are iconic to the state’s history, there are six in particular that are filled with legacy families and friends. This year saw newbies come to Johnson Square while nearly a dozen friends returned for another year of celebrating in Chippewa Square.
Wherever they choose to revel in the fun, there are lots of beads, beer and bratwurst to create more memories for this year’s celebration.
Square formerly known as Calhoun Square
For Mary Wright, celebrating St. Patrick’s Day goes beyond wearing green and claiming what is formerly known as Calhoun Square.
Her great grandfather John Fogarty, uncle Bill Fogarty and ancestor Thomas Fogarty have all served as Grand Marshall. Family member Mike Fogarty remembers marching in the parade alongside his Catholic middle school classmates.
The Fogartys are one of the most well-known names in the parade, having decades worth of participation. With their children in tow, and in some cases handmade floats, the families did all they could to make sure the parade kept its flair. Little did they know that decades later, Savannah would become a top destination to celebrate the big day.
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Despite her family’s prominence in the community, Wright is humble and simply look’s forward to seeing familiar faces. Most importantly, she will be ready to capture her daughter’s reaction to the marching bands as sounds from the drums and tubas fill the air.
She was all smiles at the parade, along with her sisters Caroline Fender and Catherine Sauers. There was standing room only in Calhoun Square as tents were stacked to the brim.
“It’s exciting,” said Wright. “Our husbands got here bright and early. It’s a fun day to celebrate.”
Johnson Square
For Steven Capp, watching the parade gives him new perspective. Capp, who worked as a pedicab in years past, said he enjoys getting a different angle of the parade. He and his wife set up a tent in Johnson Square.
“Today feels amazing in the sense that in the service industry, you can’t enjoy it because you are doing something for others,” said Capp. “I like to embrace our city because this is a special holiday and we are coming together.”
Capp said he is stoked to see the bands come through. But the day is even more meaningful after an DNA test proved he is of Irish descent.
“I have a lot of Irish and Scottish in my blood,” said Capp. “I am excited to see and feel the Irish culture resonate in a special way.”
For his friend Sheila Dykes, choosing Johnson Square was an easy choice.
“I wanted to be comfortable and away from the chaos,” said Dykes. “It’s nice to be able to sit here and have a cocktail.”
Dykes works for Savannah Slow Ride and said she enjoys being a spectator this year.
“You work downtown all the time, so it’s nice to watch,” said Dykes.
For Dylan Taylor, it is first year celebrating, having moved to Savannah 10 months ago from Ohio. He ditched the cold weather to take up a construction gig in Chatham County and said his boss convinced him it would be worth going to the parade.
“Everyone hyped it up,” said Taylor. “My boss told me he has been coming for years. I’m here to take it all in. I’m getting the Bloody Mary’s flowing early.”
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Wright Square
Mary Wooten has been going to the parade since she could walk. To this day, she has only missed one. A cheerleading event sent her tumbling into a situation she did not want to be in - missing the parade.
Her grandfather, Thomas “Frank” Baker, was a member of the executive committee before he passed in 2013.
Her family used to set up along the median across from Mellow Mushroom and did so for at least 20 years. After her grandfather past, they brought the party to Wright Square. But she still enjoys the parade with other relatives.
“It’s my nephews first St. Patrick’s Day, so it’s been really fun just watching him enjoy the parade and get in the spirit,” said Wooten. “At the bottom of it all this day is about spending time with family and friends and celebrating are faith and Irish heritage.”
No photo for Mary - phone went dead - will update if and when she sends one.
Chippewa Square
Larry Wilbanks was supposed to come to the parade with his wife and several friends but last-minute plans sent his wife to Israel. But Wilbanks was too curious to cancel his trip to Savannah. An Irishman himself, he was eager to learn more about why Savannah has one of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the country. He came down last night from Virginia.
“I am expecting a lot of people to be having a good time,” said Wilbanks. “I don’t like crowds much but I will talk to anybody. I almost decided not to come but this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. It’s good to celebrate all cultures. I like to see people celebrate all their holidays, whether it be Cinco de Mayo or Juneteenth. It’s all about coming together.”
Will Kelly, who moved from Kentucky to Savannah for work, said this is his third year celebrating in the square. A round of beer pong was underway bright and early and some in his group were dressed in kilts, a tradition they do not miss.
“We always have on our kilts no matter what,” said Kelly.
Kelly looks to local restaurants to feed his hungry belly. McDonough’s steak and eggs are his go to and bangers and mash is waiting on him when he gets home. But it’s not just the Budweiser and vittles that has Kelly excited for the day.
“I like the whole vibe of it, waking up early to get here with your friends,” said Kelly. “I like the bagpipes a lot too. The parade is sweet. It’s awesome.”
Oglethorpe Square
Jason Hux proposed to his wife Noreen some 20 years ago under rainy skies in Oglethorpe Square. He could have waited for a more picturesque setting, but after she said “I do”, the heavens opened and unleashed a big ray of sunshine - or at least that’s what Jason tells the kids.
Their love for celebrating St. Patty’s Day is still going strong too. Oglethorpe Square has been home to the group for decades now. Dressed in his kilt, Hux gathers with friends and family for a morning toast before the day gets going. Others dawn a new outfit each year as part of the tradition.
Hux was looking forward to having a little bit of extra space in Oglethorpe Square but this year he felt like he was in a crowded room. Still, he found a moment to embrace the weather and the time with his family.
“I really enjoyed it when the sun got high enough to warm it up,” said Hux. “Watching the parade with my children and seeing how much they enjoyed it was great. I’m happy that for one day everyone can celebrate Irish heritage and enjoy what’s been laid down before them.”
Lafayette Square
Known as the Finn McCool Fellowship, Harrison Key, along with his family and 30-40 other families, swarm Lafayette Square. Families come from far and wide to take part in the festivities. Some that party in the square were interviewed by The Today Show last year.
Needless to say, they might be the most popular group among all the squares.
Key said the tradition in Lafayette Square started years ago. Today, they will enjoy some good ole Irish tunes and no day is complete without newly written jigs and limericks, which are read aloud. The highlight for Key was seeing Connor McGregor in the parade.
Key said he has been up for 48 hours and although exhausted, he mustered up enough strength to cheer on the marching bands.
“The local high school bands have been bringing it,” said Key. “Big props to them and the directors.”
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade: Squares to celebrate
