Opening Acts

March 12

Noon.  Greening of the Fountain at Forsyth Park

Children especially enjoy watching the water magically turn emerald in this annual ceremony.

6 p.m.  March of Dimes 5K Shamrock Run and Fitness Walk at City Market

Spirited runners will don green to raise money for the prevention of birth defects, premature births and infant mortality.

March 13

11 a.m.  Tara Feis Irish Celebration at Emmet Park

The whole family will enjoy this free, city-sponsored cultural event that features traditional Irish music from the Cathie Ryan Band, dancing, food and crafts.

March 14

1 p.m.  Celtic Cross Ceremony at Emmet Park

This celebration of heritage and history follows the 11:45 a.m. Mass at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.

March 16

4:30 p.m.  Jasper Green Ceremony in Madison Square

Military units and bagpipers march from Lafayette Square to Madison Square for a wreath-laying ceremony at the statue of Revolutionary War hero Sgt. William Jasper Green.

The Big Show

March 17

8 a.m.  St. Patrick’s Day Mass at Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

The traditional Catholic Mass reaches out to the hearts and minds of parishioners and recalls the holy work of the bishop who inspired the holiday.

10:15 a.m.  St. Patrick’s Day Parade

If you’re lucky enough to know someone with a side porch or window overlooking the parade route, count your blessings.  If not, reserved bleacher seating is available at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Colonial Cemetery and Factors Walk.  Book through Kelly Tours ($25 in advance/$30 day of).  964-2010.  www.kellytours.com.  www.savannahsaintpatricksday.com

Some of the best free spots to watch:

East Broad Street between Bay and Broughton – The parade is going strong by this point, and you’ll be in easy walking distance of the festivities along River Street.

Dueling Grounds directly south of Colonial Park Cemetery on Abercorn Street – A corner near the beginning of the parade with two street fronts to catch all the action.

Johnson, Wright and Chippewa squares along Bull Street – The greens along the last leg provide shade, food and drink vendors, and benches to rest in preparation for the all-day party to come.

You can legally carry an alcoholic beverage on the street — in the parade area — provided it’s in a plastic or paper cup of no more than 16 ounces.