Parade

The Sweet Potato Queens^®
Weekend — 2019

Thursday, March 21 – Sunday, March 24

After much discussion betwixt us all, it has been decided that Hal’s St. Paddy’s Weekend will be moved to our customary ZDD™date–4th Weekend in March–and that the Queendom will march once again in Hal’s St Paddy’s Parade in Downtown Jackson! This is a big win for us ALL and we are counting on seeing ALLA Y’ALL here for it!

The PARADE THEME is “MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR!” That is a BEATLES reference, for all you Larvae out there–just Google it! This theme is SOOO EASY! JUST LOOK AT THE ALBUM COVER! And read the SONG TITLES! (Dressing as YOKO, out to break up the Band and the fun, however, is not encouraged! You will not be popular.)

If you plan to march or build a float, you may register your group NOW here: halsstpaddysparade.com Big floats ARE allowed and the rules are posted there. (I have requested permission for the use of highly decorated electric golf cart mini-floats as we did in ZDD™and will advise as soon as the ruling is made.)

You can order tickets for the post-parade music deal at Hal and Mal’s as well. The line-up isn’t set yet but it’s gonna be great.

The Parade rolls at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, 23 March 2019. Float Line-up begins at 7:00 a.m. Marchers should plan on arriving before noon. It’s not a long route but, as always, COMFY SHOES ARE THE RULE!

OF COURSE, our HOST HOTEL will be the HILTON-JACKSON on County Line Road! Billie Burns is still the one to take your reservations at 601-957-2800. SPEAK ONLY TO BILLIE. If he’s out, leave a message for him. Do NOT SAY “reservations” UNTIL you are speaking with Billie! You can also email him at billie.burns@hilton.com. You CAN begin booking rooms NOW–THROUGH BILLIE BURNS ONLY!

THE HILTON IS O-FFICIALLY FULL FOR PARADE WEEKEND. I have spoken with KIM DAVIS at the Cabot across the street & she is looking forward to your call! Her number is 601-957-0757 email is KDAVIS@MMIHG.COM They will make us quite welcome so BOOK NOW—dawdling time is OVER! You are welcome to put your name on a waiting list with our BILLIE BURNS at the HILTON 601-957-2800 and he will, of course, get you in if AT ALL POSSIBLE–but do NOT DELAY–book the Cabot NOW.

If you have only ever Paraded with us in Fondren, YOU ARE AUTOMATICALLY RE-VIRGINATED for this Parade! If you’ve never done either, you are a DOUBLE SUPER PARADE VIRGIN! If you have been in St. Paddy’s & ZDD™, you know who and what you are! And YAAAY FOR IT!

As in recent years, no Weekend Passes needed

We WILL have buses–to take you to and from both the MUSICAL on Friday night and also to and from the PARADE line up on Saturday. Schedule to be announced. We have a sponsor providing the buses–but we will be CHARGING $20 and the $$ will go to Children’s of Mississippi. You will get a wristband good for buses to both events–DON’T LOSE IT–you will need it to get on the bus! These will be SCHOOL buses–but hey–you don’t have to fool with driving, parking or UBER. First one to whine WALKS.

Big Hat will still be on Friday at Drago’s next to the Hilton-Jackson. Pearls & Pjs will be Saturday night at the Hilton-Jackson. Bathrobe Brunch is Sunday morning at the Hilton-Jackson. (We will TRY our best to actually GET the Gospel Choir THERE ON TIME this year!)

There will be much more info forthcoming; so, watch for e-mails and also keep tabs on the Official Sweet Potato Queens Facebook page.

Queencentric Schedule of Events

THURSDAY

Thirsty Thursday will happen.

FRIDAY

Big Hat Brunch on Friday at Drago’s – no ticket needed – order whatever you want, eat it, love it & pay for it. The menu is extensive – you can spend as much or as little as you choose. No minimum charge.

FRIDAY NIGHT
Sweet Potato Queens® – The Musical!
will be playing at New Stage Theatre in Jackson. The Musical Book is by Tony®Award-winning Rupert Holmes, the music is by Grammy® Award-winning singer/songwriter Melissa Manchester, and the lyrics are by Oscar® Award-nominee and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Sharon Vaughn.

As you plan your “thee-ater outfits,” do remember you will need to be able to sit in it comfortably and that people behind you will need to be able to see over you…but, we certainly DO want to Make a Spectacular Scene at New Stage!

WIN A NEW CAR – We will give away the Patty Peck Honda at New Stage before the performance! You may WIN A NEW CAR right before the play! WHAT A NIGHT! I will let you know when/how to get your raffle tickets.

SATURDAY
PARADE – 1:00 PM
The PARADE THEME is “MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR!” That is a BEATLES reference, for all you Larvae out there–just Google it! This theme is SOOO EASY! JUST LOOK AT THE ALBUM COVER! And read the SONG TITLES! (Dressing as YOKO, out to break up the Band and the fun, however, is not encouraged! You will not be popular.)

If you plan to march or build a float, you may register your group NOW here: halsstpaddysparade.com Big floats ARE allowed and the rules are posted there. (I have requested permission for the use of highly decorated electric golf cart mini-floats as we did in ZDD™and will advise as soon as the ruling is made.)

You can order tickets for the post-parade music deal at Hal and Mal’s as well. The line-up isn’t set yet but it’s gonna be great.

The Parade rolls at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, 23 March 2019. Float Line-up begins at 7:00 a.m. Marchers should plan on arriving before noon. It’s not a long route but, as always, COMFY SHOES ARE THE RULE!

SATURDAY NIGHT

PEARLS & PJS in Fitzgerald’s

SUNDAY

Bathrobe Brunch at Hilton on Sunday morning. Buy ticket when you check in – probably same price as usual – $29.