Executive Summary:
Each year, starting in February and running through March, the Irish American Heritage Society of Augusta hosts a series of events that bring our city together around Irish-American culture, community, and tradition.
From the formality of the Grand Marshal Ball to the energy of the parade and the warmth of our post-parade Céilí, every event is designed to celebrate where we come from and who we are - together.
What makes this special isn’t just the size or history - it’s how deeply rooted it is in the people of Augusta. This case study highlights how our multi-week celebration has grown into something that not only honors heritage, but invites broad, meaningful community participation.
It’s a model that fits right in with what the Anthem Awards look for in both the Community Event and Local Community Engagement categories.
Our event season includes:
Grand Marshal Ball
New Member Orientation
Ladies Tea Honoring the Irish Lady of the Year
Dennis Cahill Wreath-Laying Ceremony
St. Patrick’s Day Magazine Reveal Celebration
Patrick Walsh Tribute & Sash Presentation
Grand Marshal’s Breakfast
St. Patrick’s Day Mass
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
St. Patrick’s Day Members' Céilí
Our approach isn’t just about tradition - it’s about how tradition brings people together. This multi-week slate of events is built to reflect what makes a strong, healthy community: shared values, civic connection, and meaningful participation across generations.
Some programs are formal and rooted in ceremony. Others are casual, fun, and open to anyone who wants to be part of something bigger than themselves.
We’re intentional about designing gatherings that meet people where they are - culturally, spiritually, and socially -and creating opportunities for everyone to feel like they belong. From longtime members to first-time attendees, each person who shows up has a place here. That’s by design.
Here’s how IAHS delivers best-in-class community engagement:
Events are free or affordable, ensuring wide access across the community.
We include every generation - from students in marching bands to elders at the Grand Marshal’s Breakfast.
We partner across sectors: government, faith, education, and small business.
Our calendar builds energy over time, keeping engagement consistent across weeks.
We balance heritage and hospitality - holding onto our values while welcoming all.
By planning across formats, audiences, and communities, the Society has created a sustainable, replicable model for cultural engagement - one that fits directly with the values recognized by the Community Event and Local Community Engagement award categories.
Summary of Project & Strategy
Goals & Objectives
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Goal 1
Celebrate and preserve Irish-American heritage in Augusta, GA.
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Goal 2
Build multi-generational engagement through inclusive, well-executed events.
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Goal 3
Strengthen partnerships with civic, religious, educational, and cultural institutions.
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Goal 4
Drive increased visibility and participation in Society activities.
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Goal 5
Expand awareness of Irish-American contributions through education and celebration.
Community Impact:
By offering a consistent, joyful, and purpose-driven slate of gatherings, the Irish American Heritage Society has created a model that strengthens Augusta’s cultural identity and civic life.
These programs aren’t just celebrations - they are points of connection, welcome, and remembrance. From black-tie galas to grassroots socials, every moment is built to include, uplift, and energize.
The Society’s work is deeply strategic: forging partnerships across sectors, holding space for reflection and fun, and giving every participant a reason to return. Our calendar keeps people engaged for weeks at a time, inviting them to step into tradition and stay for the community.
That kind of structure - sustained, inclusive, and meaningful - is exactly what the Anthem Awards seek to recognize. The IAHS model is one others can follow, but few can match in spirit.
Participation
Over 35,000+ attendees took part in our season-long St. Patrick’s Day programming
More than 350+ students engaged through school bands, essay contests, and community showcases
95%+ satisfaction reported through post-event surveys — the highest in our recent history
Partnerships
Built and sustained 15+ formal partnerships across civic, religious, educational, and cultural sectors
Strengthened relationships with faith communities, city officials, the Irish Consulate, and local institutions
Parade sponsorships doubled year-over-year, helping fund expanded programming and outreach
Public Visibility
Generated over 140,000 social media impressions during the season
Amplified visibility throughout the region, with increased engagement from local leaders and new community members
Earned recognition through remarks and participation from the Consul General of Ireland, reinforcing ties to the global Irish diaspora
Community Partnership & Support:
These partnerships aren’t just about logistics - they reflect real community investment, mutual trust, and shared purpose. That kind of collaboration is at the heart of what the Anthem Awards aim to recognize: meaningful, local engagement that’s built to last.
This initiative was made possible by the collaboration and generosity of:
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Supports the Society with essential services for public events, including street closures, law enforcement coordination, and citywide promotion of the parade.
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Provides sacred spaces for Mass and ceremonies, reinforcing the Society’s spiritual roots and welcoming hundreds of attendees for interfaith observance.
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Provides spaces to hold day-of activities including the Grand Marshal Breakfast and Member Ceili
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Collaborate on ceremonial events like the Dennis Cahill Wreath-Laying and Patrick Walsh Tribute, preserving Irish traditions and offering intergenerational support.
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Strengthens ties with Ireland by providing diplomatic presence, keynote remarks, and official recognition of the Society’s contribution to the global Irish diaspora.
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Participates in and lends formal credibility to civic remembrance events, notably the Patrick Walsh Tribute.
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Offers logistical and venue support for events like the Magazine Reveal Celebration, reinforcing Catholic and fraternal bonds.
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Contributes student bands, performers, and essay contest participants, helping to educate and engage young people in cultural celebration.
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Serves as the main meeting location for the board officers as well as a welcoming venue for New Member Orientation, providing a casual and inviting space for new members to learn, connect, and find their place in the Society.
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Provides financial support through magazine advertisements and in-kind services, including our presenting sponsors Village Deli and DonateSperm.com, ensuring the Society’s programming remains sustainable and widely promoted.
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Enable the successful execution of all events by contributing countless hours in planning, coordination, and hands-on support.
“The City of Augusta takes great civic pride in this annual event that celebrates the heritage and contributions of our Irish American community.”
The Honorable Garnett J. Johnson - Mayor of Augusta
“I am continually impressed by the time and energy this community invests in making St. Patrick's Day in Augusta a most memorable experience.”
Frank Groome - Consul General of Ireland in Atlanta
“Thank you for maintaining the traditions of the past and for passing them on for generations to come.”
Most Reverend Stephen D. Parkes - Bishop of Savannah
“It is my great honor to participate in the St. Patrick's Day Parade here in Augusta, where we witness the unity, pride, and joy this occasion brings to our city.”
Eugene “Gino” Brantley - Richmond County Sheriff
“More than just a parade, this celebration is a tribute to the rich Irish heritage that has helped shape our community. The Irish American Heritage Society’s dedication ensures that these traditions continue to thrive for generations to come.”
Ramone Lamkin - Richmond County Marshal
Event Timelines
This isn’t just a parade - it’s a full season of community celebration. Starting in early February and carrying through St. Patrick’s Day, each gathering is thoughtfully planned to engage different parts of our community: families, schools, churches, businesses, civic leaders, and longtime members alike. By spreading programs out over several weeks, we’re able to keep people engaged, deepen our partnerships, and create space for both tradition and growth.
The Grand Marshal Ball
February 1, 2025
A black-tie gala introducing the incoming Grand Marshal, Mr. Raymond “Ray” Brady, attended by over 450 community members, civic leaders, and dignitaries. The event also honored Mrs. Philomena “Phil” Mooney as the Irish Lady of the Year and celebrated the Thomas “Tommy” Poteet Family as the 2025 Irish Family of the Year.
The evening recognized their collective service, legacy, and ongoing commitment to Augusta’s Irish-American community, and served as the welcoming point for more than 40 new members, contributing to the Society's 600+ active members.
In a moment of great honor and symbolism, the evening featured a keynote address by Frank Groome, the Consul General of Ireland in Atlanta. His remarks connected Augusta's celebration to the broader Irish diaspora, affirming the significance of local traditions within global heritage. Groome emphasized the unique role of Irish-American communities in preserving identity, promoting cross-cultural understanding, and building civic bridges between nations.
His presence not only elevated the significance of the Grand Marshal Ball but also reflected international recognition of the Society’s growing leadership in cultural programming. The evening’s mix of tradition, diplomacy, and grassroots engagement illustrated the Society's continued evolution as a model for community-led cultural celebration.
New Member Orientation
February 25, 2025
Held at Sheehan's Irish Pub, this gathering welcomes new IAHS members, shares the Society’s history, and builds community in preparation for March programming.
It also serves as a primer to meet the current officers and understand opportunities to volunteer, helping members find meaningful ways to contribute.
Ladies Tea Honoring the Irish Lady of the Year
March 2, 2025
A formal afternoon tea recognizing the Irish Lady of the Year, Mrs. Philomena “Phil” Mooney, for her remarkable service, leadership, and dedication to Augusta's Irish-American community.
The event uplifts and honors the role of women in shaping the cultural, civic, and social landscape of the city. With heartfelt tributes and personal reflections, it provides a space for connection, recognition, and the sharing of intergenerational wisdom among women in the Society.
The afternoon also featured traditional Irish dancing, a spirited fashion show celebrating Irish and spring styles, and festive door prizes, making it both meaningful and delightfully engaging for all who attended.
Dennis Cahill Wreath-Laying Ceremony
March 7, 2025
The Dennis Cahill Wreath-Laying Ceremony is a solemn and reverent gathering held annually to honor the legacy of Dennis Cahill, a founding figure in Augusta's Irish-American community and a tireless advocate for civic unity.
This tradition, observed at the Dennis Cahill Memorial, serves as a moment of reflection and gratitude for a leader whose dedication to public service and Irish heritage shaped generations. The ceremony is conducted in proud partnership with the Ancient Order of Hibernians, whose presence reinforces the broader mission of preserving and celebrating Irish identity.
With prayers, remarks, and the laying of a wreath, the event draws members of all ages and backgrounds, creating an intergenerational bridge of memory, pride, and cultural continuity.
St. Patrick’s Day Magazine Reveal Celebration
March 13, 2025
Held at the Knights of Columbus, this high-energy celebration marks the official debut of the annual St. Patrick’s Day program magazine. Featuring music, refreshments, and a festive atmosphere, the evening highlights not only the year’s sponsors, honorees, and upcoming events but also serves as a vital fundraiser for the Society.
The magazine, a community-supported publication filled with ads and messages from local businesses and families, represents one of the Society's most significant sources of financial support. As such, this event galvanizes community backing ahead of the parade and cultural programming, rallying longtime members and new supporters alike.
It offers an essential platform for promoting awareness, honoring contributors, and generating excitement while sustaining the Society’s financial and cultural momentum.
Patrick Walsh Tribute & Sash Presentation
March 14, 2025
The Patrick Walsh Tribute & Sash Presentation is an event held at the statue of Augusta's Irish-born U.S. Senator, Patrick Walsh. This solemn and ceremonial occasion honors Walsh's legacy as a symbol of Irish-American leadership and civic responsibility.
In collaboration with the Federal Judiciary of the Southeastern Circuit, as well as the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) and Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians (LAOH), the ceremony features the laying of a wreath, formal remarks by the mayor and judicial figures, and the presentation of the honorary sash.
The participation of federal judges, the mayor, and president of the fraternal Irish organizations underscores the ceremony’s dual commitment to tradition and civic respect, linking Augusta's heritage to both its historical and institutional foundations. This event affirms the Society's core values of leadership, service, and memory while uniting diverse segments of the community in a shared moment of cultural pride.
Grand Marshal’s Breakfast
March 17, 2025
This invitation-only event celebrating past Presidents, Grand Marshals, and Irish Ladies of the Year, the Grand Marshal's Breakfast is one of the most treasured and reflective moments of the St. Patrick’s Day programming.
This gathering provides a rare and intentional opportunity for the Society’s most experienced leaders - primarily members aged 50 and older - to reconnect, reminisce, and reflect on their ongoing influence within the organization.
Beyond a ceremonial meal, the event serves as a touchstone for institutional memory and as a forum to ensure that the Society's future decisions remain rooted in its foundational values.
Held in a warm and familial setting, the breakfast includes heartfelt remarks, light roasts and toasts, and a group photo that honors the long arc of leadership. It is both a tribute and a recommitment to the balance of tradition and innovation that defines IAHS.
St. Patrick’s Day Mass
March 17, 2025
A solemn and celebratory Mass held at the Church of the Most Holy Trinity, one of Augusta's oldest and most historically significant parishes. The Grand Marshal, aides, and Society leadership lead a formal processional into the sanctuary, wearing sashes and symbols of honor as they represent the Society before the community and God.
This Mass serves as both a spiritual centerpiece and a public expression of faith, unity, and reverence for tradition. The liturgy is often enriched with Irish-language prayers, culturally significant hymns, and reflections that honor both the heritage and mission of IAHS.
Attendance includes not only members and dignitaries but also members of the public, reinforcing the event's role as a bridge between the Society and the wider Augusta community.
In many ways, it is the sacred anchor of the entire week, grounding the celebrations in gratitude, memory, and purpose.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 17, 2025
The Society’s hallmark event, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, is the grand culmination of Augusta’s Irish heritage programming and one of the largest cultural gatherings in the region.
Featuring over one hundred floats, marching bands, dance troupes, civic organizations, military units, and local families, the 3 hour parade brings together people from all backgrounds in a vibrant, city-wide expression of community pride.
Drawing over 25,000 spectators annually, the parade is not only a spectacle of Irish-American heritage but also a powerful engine of civic unity and tradition as well as an economic powerhouse to businesses along it’s route.
Its execution requires months of planning, coordination with city departments, collaboration with partner organizations, and hundreds of volunteers. It is during the parade that the Society’s mission is most visibly realized: inclusive celebration, public engagement, and the joyful honoring of heritage.
For participants and spectators alike, it stands as a vivid testament to how cultural programming can unify and uplift a city through both ritual and revelry.
St. Patrick’s Day Members' Céilí
March 17, 2025
The IAHS Members' Céilí is the final act of Augusta’s St. Patrick’s Day programming. Held at the Greek Orthodox Church, the event transforms a familiar public space into a vibrant hub of music, laughter, and connection.
Featuring traditional Irish dancing, live performances, shared meals, and informal socializing, the Céilí is designed to be welcoming, spirited, and accessible. It draws members across generations, but is particularly cherished by long-standing members who view it as a beloved return to grassroots celebration.
Beyond entertainment, the Céilí creates a powerful moment of community affirmation: after a season of formal ceremonies and civic events, members gather simply to enjoy one another, honor their culture, and celebrate a successful slate of programming.
Its low barrier to entry, high emotional value, and deep sense of belonging illustrate the Society’s ability to sustain cultural joy as an engine for member engagement and retention - a compelling model for community-building worthy of recognition.