Saturday, 21 March, 2026: To wrap up a great week, we took a short trip up the road to Shellman Bluff with plans to catch the 25th Annual St. Patrick’s Parade. The event, which began in 2001 thanks to a local couple, has grown into a beloved tradition. What started as a simple backyard gathering among friends eventually became the Friends of Shellman Bluff—a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting local first responders.
We had driven through the area the previous Friday and noticed spots along the road marked off. At the time, we didn’t realize just how serious that was—turns out, people had been reserving their parade-viewing locations for nearly a month. When we arrived, the roadsides were packed in both directions as far as we could see. Luckily, we found a place to park at the Enmarket near the end of the parade route.
After parking, we walked along the edge of the driveway and managed to squeeze in a small spot for our chairs. Nearby, a local named Andrew was sitting in the bed of his Ford Ranger. We asked if it was okay to sit beside him, and that simple question turned into a friendly conversation that lasted throughout the event. As often happens in small communities, we were quickly welcomed and introduced to others—family members, neighbors, and friends—all eager to share stories about the area and its traditions.
Since we were near the end of the route, the parade had quite a distance to travel before reaching us. That gave us time to soak in the atmosphere. The sun was warm, the gnats had disappeared, and children sat eagerly with bags in hand, ready to collect candy tossed from passing floats.
Around 11:30, we spotted the flashing lights of the lead police vehicles in the distance. The energy shifted instantly as everyone prepared for the parade to arrive. When the color guard came into view, you could feel the excitement build.
The Grand Marshal, the local fire chief, led the procession, followed by a lively stream of flashing lights, sirens, and air horns—startling at times, but all part of the fun. In keeping with the event’s mission, there was strong participation from first responders, military personnel, and veteran organizations. One standout moment was the Fort Stewart band, which brought great energy with their music as they marched along the route.
Local groups and organizations clearly put a lot of effort into their floats, and nearly every politician with ties to the area made an appearance—handing out beads and candy while supplies lasted. By the time the parade reached our end, those supplies were running low. One determined grandmother near us made it her mission to ensure the kids nearby still got their fair share, pacing back and forth and doing her best to keep the treats coming.
Later in the parade, the Shriners took over with their signature flair. Groups like the Pirates from Savannah, Jesup Hillbillies, and Tattnall units entertained the crowd with their creative and often humorous motorized displays.
Overall, it was a fantastic event, and we hope it was a successful fundraiser for the community. Unfortunately, due to traffic restrictions, we weren’t able to make it over to the festival area afterward—but that just gives us a reason to come back next time. Even the traffic jam heading out was entertaining.
All in all, it was a wonderful way to spend the day—enjoying a local tradition that clearly means a lot to the community and is supported wholeheartedly by those who call it home or those who are visiting the area.