MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- The Parris Island Marine Corps Band traveled to Hilton Head Sunday to represent the Corps in the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade.
An estimated 20,000 people lined Pope Avenue to watch the parade, many traveling from hours away to see what has become one of the largest St. Patrick's Day celebrations in South Carolina.
"We drove all the way up here from Brunswick [Ga.]," said Erica Stevens, who attended the parade with her husband Travis and their son Thomas. "We would rather come here than go to Savannah because the area is less congested and the atmosphere here is much more family-oriented."
While Savannah has developed a reputation over the years for having one of the largest St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the United States, many like the Stevens family opt to celebrate in the Lowcountry to avoid the hassles associated with a larger celebration.
"In Savannah we could never find a place to park, and families with children had a hard time walking from the parking areas to the parade route," said Stevens. "Here, we're parked right on the parade route."
Many unique units exclusive to the Hilton Head celebration helped draw the crowd as well.
"We heard the Marines were coming here this year and made the trip down to see them," said Mae Williams, a resident of Beaufort who followed the band to the parade. "We can see them any time we want in Beaufort, but them coming down here is a nice excuse for us to get out of town for the day without going to far."
Williams, with her dog Lady in tow, said the Marines' attendance remind viewers why the Corps has a reputation for precision.
"They look so perfect," said Williams. "I guess I should have expected that from a group of Marines."
The band staff praised their performance as well.
"The band did great," said Staff Sgt. Stephanie Errickson, band platoon sergeant and woodwinds section commander. "Everyone performed really well."
This is the fourth time the band has made the trip to Hilton Head for the St. Patrick's Day celebration, a trip that is becoming a band favorite.
"It was a great turnout," said Errickson. "The crowd was very receptive and appreciative. They had a very fun spirit. That makes it fun for us."
In addition to weekly performances at the Morning Colors ceremony and Recruit Graduations, the Parris Island Marine Corps Band travels throughout the Lowcountry and across the Eastern United States, playing nearly 200 performances yearly.