Grayson is Grand Marshal for 2024 Hal's St. Paddy's Parade

Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade & Festival makes its grand return on March 23, 2024 in downtown Jackson. The official theme for this year’s celebration is “Telling the Mississippi Story,” highlighting the rich and unique cultural heritage of the state. Leading the parade as the Grand Marshal is the distinguished WJTV broadcaster, accomplished author, and proud Mississippian, Walt Grayson. As in previous years, the parade and festival will raise funds for Children’s of Mississippi.

"Hal's St. Paddy's Parade & Festival is a beloved tradition, now in its 41st year, and symbolizes the unity of our community and celebrating Jackson's history,” remarked Malcolm White, Hal's St. Paddy's Parade & Festival Founder. “We are excited to once again share this event with everyone and support our friends at Children’s of Mississippi.”

Highlights of this year’s event were unveiled during the press conference, featuring appearances and remarks by Malcolm White, Walt Grayson, and other key figures from the Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade & Festival team.

“When Malcolm told me I had been selected as Grand Marshal for next year's parade, my first response was to ask him, ‘Who is it really?’” Walt Grayson said. “I am honored to be included in the roster of people who have headed up the parade and have waved from the sidewalk to a bunch of my heroes in the lead car over the years. I can think of no better way to have so much fun that does so much good at the same time than the activities associated with Hal’s St. Paddy's. It's one of Mississippi's best success stories.”

In addition to the parade festivities, the annual “Run the Rainbow” event is set to take place on March 16, 2024, the weekend before parade weekend, also benefiting Children’s of Mississippi.

“We are grateful to our partners at Capital City Beverages for their steadfast support of the Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade & Festival,” said Malcolm. “We also acknowledge and appreciate Visit Mississippi, Visit Jackson, Downtown Jackson Partners, Community Foundation for Mississippi, Capital City Beverages and numerous other sponsors whose partnership makes this event possible.”

For sponsorship opportunities and more information, visit halsstpaddysparade.com.

About Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade & Festival

Central Mississippi’s annual celebration of Spring has been described as a “green Mardi Gras” and as a “lighthearted homecoming where everyone is king and queen for a day.” It is also a celebration of the rebirth of Mississippi’s capital city, a joyous observance of what is “good and encouraging” about the heart of our state. It is a day where a sense of humor and a sense of place rules the day. It is a time to honor the good work of UMMC’s Children’s of Mississippi. Donations can be made to the Hal's St. Paddy's Parade Fund at the Community Foundation for Mississippi year-round to support the mission of the event here. This rambling, outrageous, hilarious ride, starting and ending at Jackson’s favorite gathering place—Hal & Mal’s—will forever be known as “Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade” in honor of Hal White.