Hilton head irishfest will be held march 16-17 2024!
Get ready to get your green on! IrishFest starts on Saturday, March 16th with an Irish Concert at Lowcountry Celebration Park in the afternoon. The parade will proudly march down Pope Avenue Sunday, March 17th at 2pm. Please note the earlier start time!!!
Slainté!
The Hilton Head Island St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee
The Breeze Trolley offers 1 way trips from 11am-2pm on parade day, picking up at USCB Hilton Head and dropping off near Lowcountry Celebration Park. No other stops will be made. Make your parade day a Breeze!
BE IN THE PARADE!
BUSINESSES • NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
Gather your group and join the Hilton Head Ireland St. Patrick's Day parade! Floats, boats, trucks, cars, bikes, golf carts - people, horses, dogs - all are welcome! If you need a large float, please consider our local suppliers. All entries compete for five different awards.
SPONSOR THE PARADE!
YES. WE NEED YOU.
Opportunities to support the Hilton Head Ireland St. Patrick's Day Parade are available at every level. We need your help to continue this great family-friendly event with free attendance for everyone.
BE A PARADE VOLUNTEER!
WE CAN'T DO IT ALONE.
From helping line-up the entries in the parade, to keeping kids safe, to carrying banners for the parade, pipe and drum bands and award winning entries - there's a spot for you and your St. Patrick's Day enthusiasm!
Founded in 1983 by local business icon Tom Reilley and a few friends and family, the Hilton Head Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade has grown to become one of Hilton Head Island’s most beloved and popular annual events, and is South Carolina’s oldest parade! Upwards of 25,000 spectators (in a town of approximately 40,000 permanent residents) line Pope Avenue each spring to enjoy floats and marching groups representing local businesses and charities, high school and university marching bands, the U.S. Marine Corps Band from Parris Island, pipe and drum bands, a procession of local dignitaries, and many entertaining entries.
Over the years the Parade has also featured the iconic Budweiser Clydesdales, military jet flyovers, the Planter's Peanut Nutmobile with Mr. Peanut, the Oscar Meyer Wienermobile, and Nashville recording star Michelle Murray among other special attractions. Our parade was recognized in 2002 as one of the Top 20 Tourism Events in the Southeast. This is a wonderful honor and our community is very proud! In 2013 the Parade received a commendation from Hilton Head Island’s Town Council in celebration of its 30th anniversary. Now, after many years - we remain the Islanders' welcome to spring and favorite event.
Check out the great bands heading to Hilton Head Island this year for the parade!
FLOAT AWARDS
Grand Marshal Award
Awarded to the Best Small Business float
Shamrock Award
Awarded to the Best Non-Profit float
Judges Award
Awarded to the Best Commercial float
Leprechaun Award
Awarded to the Best Youth float
Irish Heritage Award
Awarded to the Best Irish Heritage float
“GRAND MARSHALS
2024 - Monty Jett
2023 - Stan Smith
2020 - Gloria and Allan LaCoe (2022 parade)
2019 - David Lauderdale
2018 - Dr. Emory Shaw Campbell
2017 - Stephen G. Riley
2016 - Betsy Doughtie
2015 - Jane and Tom Upshaw
2014 - Dr. Neil Love*
2013 - Brian Carmines
2012 - Tom Peeples
2011 - Heritage Foundation
2010 - Charles Perry*
2009 - Dr. Jack McConnell*
2008 - John F. Curry*
2007 - Joseph B. Fraser, Jr.*
2006 - The Honorable Sol Blatt, Jr.*
2005 - Cartha “Deke” DeLoach*
2004 - Peggy Warnke*
2003 - Frank Simon
2002 - Reverend Isaac Wilborn*
2001 - Jim Carlin*
2000 - Charles E. Fraser*
1999 - Paula Harper Bethea
1998 - Randy McGarvey*
1997 - Dr. Paul and Gerry Doerring*
1996 - Tony Poythress
1995 - Henry Driessen
1994 - Charlotte Heinrichs*
1993 - Thomas D. (Tom) Reilley, Jr.
1992 - Joe Capin
1991 - Gene Martin*
1990 - Samuel J. Hunter*
1989 - Governor Carroll Campbell*
1988 - Thomas D. “Pop” Reilley, Sr.*
*Deceased”
“THANK YOU FRIENDS OF THE PARADE:
Don Klepper-Smith
Frosty Frog
Locals Only Taproom
Pops’ Popsicle’s & Candy”