Savannah prepares for nation’s second-largest St. Patrick’s Day parade

Savannah is gearing up for for its annual St. Patrick’s Day parade — the second-largest in the nation.

And one significant step for the city’s big holiday is selecting the grand marshal for the parade.

Officials gave Michael Kenny the distinct honor Sunday as green smoke filled the air outside the Benedictine High School, the Savannah Morning News reported.

“This is the thrill of a lifetime for a Savannah Irishman” Kenny told the newspaper. “To hold this responsibility and duty is something I’ve pretty much looked forward to my entire life.”

For Kenny, it’s also a family tradition.

In 1978, his father, Nicholas Kenny Jr., was the parade’s grand marshal.

Atlanta is not without its own St. Patrick's Day excitement. The city has several events leading up to the 136th annual St. Patrick's Parade and 5K set for noon March 17.