Already prepared for next weekend’s celebration, Kyle Laster trotted around Emmet Park on Saturday afternoon wearing green from head to toe.
The 5-year-old oohed and aahed as he watched students from Irish Dancers of Savannah bob up and down on the main stage set up in the park that runs along the east end of Bay Street during Savannah’s 22nd annual Tara Feis celebration.
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“It’s going to be his first (St. Patrick’s Day) parade next weekend, but we’ve brought him to this before,” Kyle’s father Ted said. “I think he likes the music. It’s a nice atmosphere.”
Tara Feis Committee chair Bernadette Winters said the family-friendly festival is meant to highlight Emmet park and pay tribute to traditional Irish culture.
In addition to bands and dancers, it included crafts, face painting and an Irish-themed magic show.
“We try to keep it pertinent to Irish culture and celebrate that part of Savannah,” Winters said. “It’s a non-alcoholic festival geared toward the children and families to enjoy this park, and we’ve been blessed with such wonderful weather, I think it’s been a success once again.”
Winters has been an organizer of the festival since it first began in 1991. Since then, she said, it’s grown, but maintained its original feel.
“It’s laid-back,” she said. “We don’t get people coming in here and acting crazy. Sometimes, someone may walk by and try to come in with a beer and the police officers politely tell them they can’t have alcohol in here during the festival.
“No one gets out of hand, we just enjoy it.”
Just like in years past, Winters said, Saturday’s weather and the promise of family-style fun drove a large crowd to the event.
“I’m very proud of Tara Feis,” Winters said. “It’s something the Irish community has embraced and the city of Savannah has embraced, and we’re looking forward to continuing on year after year.”