Community, Charity and Irish Heritage

 Our Mission

The Greenville St. Patrick’s Day Committee is committed to celebrating and preserving the rich heritage of Irish American culture through community engagement, education, and awareness. Our mission is to organize an annual St. Patrick’s Day parade and festival that grows in quality and impact with each passing year, showcasing Irish traditions, music, and history. We aim to foster a deeper understanding of Irish American contributions to our community while creating a joyful, family-friendly event that unites people of all backgrounds. Additionally, we are dedicated to raising significant funds for local charities, including St. Baldrick’s, to support critical causes such as childhood cancer research, ensuring our efforts leave a lasting positive impact on the Greenville community.

Parade

The inaugural St. Patrick’s Day parade in Greenville, held in 1918 as a procession of soldiers training at Camp Sevier, marked the beginning of a vibrant tradition that has endured for over a century. Since the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, our modern Greenville St. Patrick’s Day parade has experienced significant growth, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of our community. Each year, we’ve welcomed larger crowds, expanded participation with vibrant floats, and enriched the celebration with authentic Irish music and cultural displays. Our committee is dedicated to continuous improvement, actively seeking innovative ways to enhance the parade and festival experience through entertainment, engaging activities, and stronger community involvement. We are committed to making each year’s event more memorable and impactful, ensuring this century-old tradition continues to thrive and celebrate Irish American heritage.

Festival

The Greenville St. Patrick’s Day Festival, a lively extension of our historic parade, transforms our community into a vibrant celebration of Irish American culture. Local vendors set up booths offering unique crafts, goods and services, showcasing Greenville’s small business prowess. The stage pulses with local and regional bands and authentic Irish music, joined by the captivating footwork of Irish step dancers and the rousing melodies of pipe and drum bands. A kids’ area keeps the little leprechauns entertained with games and crafts, ensuring fun for all ages. And, of course, the beer flows like a mighty river—because nothing says Irish pride like raising a pint (or three) to good times!