Hilton Head parade committee seeks stable funding and better attendance data

Members of the Hilton Head Island St. Patrick's Day parade committee briefed the board on event logistics, attendance estimates and funding needs. Kim Capen, a longtime parade volunteer, said the free, family-friendly parade is a large regional draw and that the committee relies on a small volunteer core to manage setup, bands and cleanup.

"We are the largest Saint Patrick's Day parade in South Carolina," Capen said, describing efforts to bring pipe-and-drum bands from across the U.S. and noting that the event historically draws tens of thousands of people; the committee cited estimates (25,000–30,000) but said it has struggled to gather reliable survey data despite incentives and QR-code outreach.

Committee members asked whether ATAX or town funds could provide recurring support, noting policing and infrastructure costs are significant. The committee said it would welcome additional municipal funding to stabilize the event’s budget and help cover law enforcement and logistics costs; town staff noted options for ATAX-eligible marketing expenses and different reimbursement rules for other categories.

Parade representatives said they are considering geofencing technology to improve audience capture and will continue working with the chamber and town officials to refine data collection and sponsorship models.