Highty-Tighties to march in Saint Patrick's Day Parade in Savannah, Ga.
The Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets will be represented at the 190th St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17 in Savannah, Ga., by the regimental band, the Highty-Tighties.
Savannah is known for hosting the second largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the world. Savannah’s first St. Patrick’s Day Parade was in 1813, only 80 years after the city was founded by Gen. James Oglethorpe. A small group of Hibernians organized and marched on the streets of Savannah to remember the death of their Patron Saint, St. Patrick of Ireland. Over the years the city prospered with Irish immigrants due to the potato famine and political persecution their country faced.
The Highty-Tighties are one of five featured entries for this year’s parade. This marks the band’s 8th appearance in the parade and they have been recognized with a trophy every year they have participated.
The parade will kick off at 10:15 a.m. and travels through the historic city of Savannah for approximately 3.2 miles. The city's population swells from 265,000 to over 800,000 for this event.
The Highty-Tighties will take 95 members on this highly anticipated trip. "This is one of the bands favorite trips right along with Macy's (in New York City) and New Orleans. The seniors select the slate of performances each year and they were excited to return to Savannah," stated band director Maj. George McNeill.
In addition to the St. Patrick's Day parade, the Highty-Tighties will travel today to Greensboro, N.C. The Highty-Tighties serve as the pep band for the Virginia Tech Women's basketball team and will be supporting them at the ACC Tournament. Virginia Tech is scheduled to play today at 1 p.m.
