The historic Forsyth Park fountain turned emerald green Friday as hundreds gathered to witness Savannah’s beloved tradition that officially launches the city’s Irish celebration season.
Cheers erupted at noon when parade committee members poured vibrant green dye into the iconic fountain. This annual ritual marks the unofficial start of one of America’s largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, and the energy in Forsyth Park was electric.
Four Decades of Green Tradition in Savannah
What began as a spontaneous act in the 1980s has grown into one of Savannah’s most cherished events.
A small group of locals originally started pouring dye into both the Savannah River and the Forsyth Park fountain. The city officially embraced the tradition in the early 2000s, transforming it into a signature Hostess City celebration.
The late WTOC anchor Craig Harney and longtime emcee Fred Elmgren helped organize the early celebrations. Their efforts turned a grassroots gathering into a must-see event that draws visitors from across the country.
The 2026 ceremony featured:
- Grand Marshal Marty Hogan leading the procession
- WTOC Coloring Contest Winner Margaret Tootle joining the festivities
- Parade Committee members circling the fountain before the ceremonial pour
- Hundreds of spectators lining the fountain railings
Emotional Memories Drive This Year’s Celebration
Jake Roberts, chairman of the Greening of the Fountain, spoke passionately about what this event means to Savannah families.
“It’s really the moment that flips the switch for the celebration of the St. Patrick’s Day season,” Roberts said. “Once this fountain turns green, that’s when everybody can begin the festivities leading up to that big day, March 17, here in Savannah, Georgia.”
Roberts shared his own childhood memories of the event.
His father brought him to see the fountain turn green when he was just four or five years old. Those moments stuck with him. Now he helps lead the celebration that creates similar memories for a new generation of Savannah children.
“It really does kickstart the festivities and the moments that you just get to cherish forever,” he added.
Leopold’s Ice Cream Adds Sweet Twist to Green Festivities
The celebration continued Friday afternoon at Leopold’s Ice Cream on Broughton Street.
Around 2 p.m., Grand Marshal Hogan and community leaders gathered for the Annual Greening of the Milkshake. This newer tradition features a giant vanilla milkshake transformed with green dye during a ceremonial stir.
| Event | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Greening of the Fountain | Forsyth Park | 12 p.m. |
| Greening of the Milkshake | Leopold’s Ice Cream | 2 p.m. |
| Greening of the City Special | WTOC Broadcast | 7 p.m. |
Leopold’s introduced this tradition recently, and it has quickly become a family favorite. Guests enjoyed free samples of the festive green milkshake after the ceremony.
The ice cream shop, a Savannah institution since 1919, adds its own sweet flavor to the Irish celebrations that define this coastal Georgia city.
Why Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day Stands Apart
Savannah hosts one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the United States.
The 202nd annual parade will march through the city’s historic streets on March 17. Organizers expect massive crowds to pack the squares and sidewalks along the parade route.
The city’s deep Irish heritage dates back to the 1800s when Irish immigrants helped build Savannah’s railroads and infrastructure. That connection remains strong today through organizations like the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee.
Tips for visitors planning to attend:
- Arrive early for parking and prime viewing spots
- Bring the whole family as events are kid friendly
- Wear green to join the festive atmosphere
- Book accommodations well in advance as hotels fill quickly
The Greening of the Fountain attracts both longtime locals and first-time visitors. Many families make it an annual pilgrimage, passing the tradition from one generation to the next.
Countdown to March 17 Begins Now
Friday’s events set the stage for two weeks of Irish celebration across Savannah.
Restaurants, bars, and shops throughout the historic district will embrace the green theme. Live Irish music will fill the squares. The smell of corned beef and cabbage will drift through the streets.
WTOC aired a special “Greening of the City” program Friday night at 7 p.m., showcasing how the wave of green spreads across Savannah during this festive season.
For Roberts and countless other Savannah residents, the fountain turning green represents something deeper than just a fun tradition. It connects past and present, linking childhood memories to current celebrations and future ones yet to come.
Whether you watched Friday’s ceremony in person or plan to visit for the parade itself, Savannah welcomes everyone to share in its Irish spirit. The fountain is green, the milkshakes are sweet, and the countdown to St. Patrick’s Day has officially begun. Share your thoughts below about your favorite Savannah St. Patrick’s Day memories.
