Savannah expects St. Patrick's crowds, possible virus surge

Sarah Hardilek uses a mechanical lift to hang green streamers for St. Patrick’s Day at the Plant Riverside hotel and entertainment complex in Savannah, Ga., on Thursday, March 11, 2021. Savannah officials have cancelled the South’s largest St. Patrick’s Day parade for a second year because of the coronavirus. Regardless, big crowds are expected for the Irish holiday, raising concerns that Savannah’s celebration could cause an outbreak. (AP Photo/Russ Bynum)

FILE - In this March 16, 2019 file photo, U.S. Army Rangers are greeted as they march down Broughton Street in the St. Patrick's Day parade in Savannah, Ga. The South's largest St. Patrick's Day parade is canceled, as is the boozy riverside festival that accompanies it. Regardless, Savannah is preparing for its largest crowds since the yearlong pandemic began — an influx that officials worry could bring a surge in coronavirus infections. (Randy Thompson/Savannah Morning News via AP)