For the first time in 68 years, Savannah's St. Patrick's Day Parade won't fall on its traditional day. The change has some businesses worried about confusion over the city's largest tourism event.
The parade has traditionally stuck to March 17th religiously, but it also sticks to religion. This year, St. Patrick's Day falls during Holy Week, a solemn time of reflection for many Catholics.
After consulting with church officials, the city's St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee set the parade for March 14th. It's the first date change since 1940.
Rod Musselman manages the downtown DeSoto Hilton. He says, he has gotten confused calls from visitors. Still, he believes the Friday date is better for everyone. "The crowds when it's on a weekend can sometimes double to what they normally are, so I think there's plenty of business out there and news like this generally finds its avenues," Musselman says.
The Savannah Area Convention and Visitors Bureau is planning a marketing blitz. A half million visitors could make their way here over the three-day weekend.
The parade has traditionally stuck to March 17th religiously, but it also sticks to religion. This year, St. Patrick's Day falls during Holy Week, a solemn time of reflection for many Catholics.
After consulting with church officials, the city's St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee set the parade for March 14th. It's the first date change since 1940.
Rod Musselman manages the downtown DeSoto Hilton. He says, he has gotten confused calls from visitors. Still, he believes the Friday date is better for everyone. "The crowds when it's on a weekend can sometimes double to what they normally are, so I think there's plenty of business out there and news like this generally finds its avenues," Musselman says.
The Savannah Area Convention and Visitors Bureau is planning a marketing blitz. A half million visitors could make their way here over the three-day weekend.
