Hispanic Chamber Of Commerce Joins St. Patrick's Day Parade

For the first time in this year's St. Patrick's Day parade, one of the floats comes from Savannah’s Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. It might not be the first organization that comes to mind when you think of the celebration of all things Irish.

But members say joining the parade is a big deal for the city’s Hispanic community. GPB Savannah's Emily Jones caught up with them while they were decorating the float.

Scroll down to see photos of the group creating their float.

Hidden in the back corner of a car dealership on the South Side of Savannah, volunteers with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce were hanging a garland of gold tinsel around their parade float and constructing a giant foam shamrock.

They were hard at work, planning and chatting in a blend of English and Spanish. Luckily, Diana Arevalo and Audrey Rodriguez were willing to take some time to chat with GPB - in English.

Arevalo and Rodriguez work with the chamber and are two of the lead volunteers organizing the effort to build the parade float.

Rodriguez adds, "Even though you think of Irish and Latin American culture as different, I mean, we both kind of like to party." For that reason, she says, the float's mix of Irish imagery - a giant shamrock and a rainbow - with Latin American music and flags make a good mix.

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce volunteers paint gold letters that will read "One Voice Una Voz" on the chamber's St. Patrick's Day parade float. (Photo courtesy Emily Jones/GPB News.) 

Volunteers attach gold tinsel garland to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce float.  (Photo courtesy Emily Jones/GPB News)

Audrey Rodriguez discusses her vision for the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce float with other volunteers. (Photo courtesy Emily Jones/GPB News)

Tags: Savannah, St. Patrick's Day, St. Patrick's Day parade, hispanic chamber of commerce