It's that time of year in Savannah when the streets have been painted green and the park fountains flow green, all in preparation for the 189th Annual Savannah St. Patrick's Day Celebration. Known for hosting the second largest St. Patrick's Day parade in the world, Savannah has been celebrating her Irish heritage for almost 200 years.

St. Patrick's Day in Savannah is a lively and spirited celebration where traditional Irish values mix with the perfect combination of Dublin's vigor and irresistible southern charm. With a variety of family friendly activities going on this weekend, get dressed in your best greens and head to Savannah!

So, before you make plans to paint the town green, you may want to add a couple of these events to your list.

• St. Patrick's Day Celebration on the River: Kick off your weekend by catching up with old friends and listening to live music from more than 40 acts at the St. Patrick's Day Celebration at the Savannah Riverfront on Friday, March 15 and Saturday, March 16 from 8:00 a.m. -2:00 a.m.

• Annual Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade: Take the family down to Savannah's Historic District Saturday morning to watch the second largest St. Patrick's Day parade in the United States. The parade begins at 10:15 a.m. at the corner of Abercorn and Gwinnett Street and concludes at the corner of Bull and Harris Street. On the morning of the parade, Mass is held at the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in historic downtown Savannah. We welcome you to attend any and all of these events and learn about our rich Irish heritage. For more details about the parade route and street closings, visit: http://www.savannahga.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2923.

• Great Savannah Races 105^th Birthday Celebration: If you're looking for a place that is a little quaint, on Saturday, March 16 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., the Great Savannah Races Museum is celebrating its 105^th birthday. Enjoy for complimentary beverages and hors d'oeuvres in the museum's courtyard.

With more than 400,000 participants expected to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Savannah, finding parking may be difficult. For ease, shuttle services are available at the old kroger parking Lot on Ford Avenue in Richmond Hill to downtown Savannah for $15 each way or $20 round trip. For information visit, http://www.richmondhillvisit.com/index.php/calendar/detail/171/

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