Since the parade established a fund at the Community Foundation for Mississippi in 2019, Lydia West has stepped into the role of Advisory Committee Chair, only the second person to hold this position. She coordinates between all organizational participants, ensuring the event runs smoothly. "This team drives the event forward, planning year-round. It's an incredible celebration, led by an outstanding group of people," she says. Lydia and the committee will also select the 2026 Chair, supporting a smooth transition for future parades.

Malcolm White's daughter Zita Webb now serves as Parade Operations Coordinator. Having attended all but one parade in her lifetime, she's experiencing it from a new perspective while handling permits, scheduling and logistics. "My dad keeps asking, 'Do you wonder how I did it on my own all those years?' and I have to say, 'Yes, I get it now!'" she admits. "It's a lot, but it's also a lot of fun."

At Hal & Mal's, co-owner Mary Sanders Ferriss Cavicchi prepares to host the official Parade Afterparty with green-themed food, drinks, and entertainment. For Cavicchi, the parade's highlight is simple: "My favorite part is the community and the incredible spirit of Jackson," she shares. "But a close second is seeing the creativity come to life through all the floats and costumes!"

Complementing the parade festivities, Selena Daniel directs Run The Rainbow on Sunday, March 16. Daniel anticipates 1,500 to 1,700 runners for this highly anticipated race. "We’re doing amazing things for the children's hospital, but I want this race to truly belong to the city," Daniel says. "Participants will run through some of the most beautiful areas and neighborhoods, with an exciting start and finish at the historic Hal & Mal’s." Run The Rainbow for Children’s offers a full and half marathon, along with 5K and 10K routes, and serves as a qualifier for the Boston Marathon in April. You can register for Run The Rainbow here.

Amanda Wells of The TELL Agency manages marketing and press for the fourth consecutive year. "The Hal's St. Paddy's Parade is a time for this community to come together and celebrate all the good things we have going for us here. That's the type of project I'm always looking to be a part of - one that celebrates this rich community."

Sophie McNeil Wolf, representing the Community Foundation for Mississippi, works diligently behind the scenes on the Advisory Committee. She handles finances, logistics, fundraising, and registration. "The Community Foundation for Mississippi plays a pivotal role in the parade, but it's not always visible," Wolf explains. "As the parade's fiscal home, we're the glue that keeps things running—handling payments, applying for grants, even hosting meetings."

Beyond its operational support, CFM also plays a key role as the parade’s presenting sponsor through the John and Lucy Shackelford Fund, further solidifying its commitment to keeping this Jackson tradition alive.

For details on Hal's St. Paddy's Parade and Festival, including the Children's Festival, MARL Pet Parade, route maps and participation information, visit halsstpaddysparade.com. Don your green and head Downtown for the celebration.