Savannah Saint Patrick's Day Celebration in Full Swing

With Saint Patrick's Day only three days away preparations on River Street are underway for the big day.
Already many visitors have poured in to Savannah for the festivities.
News Three’s Alice Massimi went downtown today and found that for many businesses the party has already begun.

Tubby's Tank House on River Street is busy.
With Saint Patrick’s Day only a couple days away they've got their decorations up and their staff working hard.
“You think it gets easier every year but it doesn't. There is always something you're missing or a little turn a twist there,” explains Fred Plantadis the General Manager at Tubby’s.
Working in the restaurant business for ten years, Plantadis has seen his share of Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations.
With his staff restocking the bar and preparing food Plantadis says the party began a little sooner than expected
The festivities don't officially begin until Monday night but already some businesses say they're seeing some record breaking crowds.
Plantadis says Friday Night was almost as busy as Saint Patrick’s Day itself.
“We are trying to regroup after a crazy night last night we expected to be busy but not that busy,” says a tired but smiling Plantadis.
The boom in business is music to festival organizer Kenny Hill's ears.
“The crowds were great. Last night was just slamming on River Street and we hope for the same tonight and Sunday and Monday and Tuesday,” says a hopeful Hill.
In the meantime Hill and others are in the midst of setting up for the actual festival.
“We are loading in the beverage stations, and the beer trailers, and the kegs and ATM machines, some of the restaurants are starting to set up their tents,” says Hill.
A lot of work but Plantadis explains if you have the right attitude it's all worth it.
“If you look at it as being a pain it’s going to be a long week for you. So I love it, this is what a lot of people wait for and you've got to make it fun.”

Savannah's Saint Patrick's Day Festival officially begins at five o'clock Monday night. Live music begins at six.