So you can just walk around and drink in Savannah? Crazy.

Yes, to-go cups are one of the most enlightened and wonderful things about our fair city. Anyone over 21 can enjoy an alcoholic beverage in public areas throughout most of downtown. To-go cups must be paper, plastic or styrofoam, and 16 ounces or less. No other alcoholic containers are allowed.

OK, what about this "Festival Area" I've heard about?

Yeah, funny thing. This Friday and Saturday — except during the actual parade Saturday from 10 a.m. to about 2 p.m. — the rules change. In order to use to-go cups between East Broad Street and MLK Boulevard, and north of Broughton Street west of Drayton Street and north of East Bay Lane east of Drayton Street (whew), you have to purchase a wristband for $5 per day. Yup, that's right, Savannah changed the rules for this one weekend to increase regulation on to-go cups and make a bunch more money off of them. See accompanying maps for the confusing boundaries of the Festival Area, and Jessica's story.

Does the inside of my car count as part of the Festival Area?

No. Definitely not.

Twitter?

Connect Savannah's handle is @connectsavannah, and the City of Savannah tweets breaking St. Patrick's Day and public safety news from a new dedicated account, @savstpat

Just scored a parking spot right on the parade route. I'll just take this yellow bag thingie off the parking meter. That cool?

Sure, if you want your car towed. Owners of towed cars must get a vehicle release form from SCMPD headquarters at Habersham and Oglethorpe Streets.

My rescue pit bull with the green bandanna is gonna love the parade. Don't worry, pit bulls are actually totally safe. Especially around very small children.

That's not actually a question. But sorry, doesn't matter — dogs aren't allowed anywhere in the official Festival Area. The only exceptions are service dogs and residents walking their dogs (you might be asked to show your drivers license to prove residence).

How 'bout the six-foot python I carry around my neck whenever I party? Real conversation starter with the ladies, if you know what I mean.

Actually the City prohibits reptiles from the Festival Area. So leave Lucifer at home. And no, it's not a "seeing eye snake."

Oops! Lost my kid again. Now what?

Lost or discarded children will be brought to Police HQ at Habersham and Oglethorpe Streets and sold to the highest bidder. Just kidding about that last part.

Yeah, love me some St. Patty's Day in Savannah, don't you?

Patty is really a girl's name. We prefer St. Paddy's Day if you must abbreviate.

Cool story bro. Gotta pee. Any porta–potties in this town?

Yes, hundreds. They are clustered along the parade route, either along the route itself or nearby the adjacent squares. River Street will have many as well.

No worries, I'll just whip it out right here.

No! Please refrain from relieving yourself au naturel — public urination is one of the most "popular" reasons to get arrested on St. Patrick's Day here.

cs