SAVANNAH, Ga. -- Multitudes of people descended on Savannah for the festivities Tuesday, the night before St. Patrick's Day. It's one of the biggest weeks of the year for many local businesses.
On Tuesday night, visitors were enjoying the excuse to have a good time in downtown Savannah, crowding onto River Street for the festivities.
Jim O'Connor from Chattanooga, Tennessee, is a veteran of Savannah's St. Patrick's Day festival. He'll even be marching in the parade. He said he's spending the same amount as always.
"I'm 75 years old, what do I want to scrimp for? No need saving it now, you know?" said O'Connor.
Churchill's Pub on Bay Street was full of people, some looking for a taste of Irish beer.
Churchill's General Manager Lisa Marra said it's shaping up to be an overall good St. Patrick's Day.
"Just kind of give us a good bird's eye view of what to expect and so far, things are looking up. I think that people are just kind of shaking off a little bit of the bad economy that we've been having and just having a good time," said Marra.
This is the first St. Patrick's Day in Savannah for Brian McHugh of North Carolina.
"We heard about it a couple of years ago, the last time we were here, and... we heard it's the best celebration in the United States so we decided to come down and give it a try," said McHugh.
Businesses in Savannah hope that visitors are of McHugh's philosophy.
"I'll spend as much as I can. I want to have a good time. I'm here to help Savannah out, you know what I'm saying?" said McHugh.
Bars and restaurants will be open until 3:00 a.m., instead of 1:00 a.m. like in previous years.
Visitors can enter the festival area for free, but adults wanting to drink alcohol must buy a wristband.
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