It’s time for the Krewe of Killarney to kick off its St. Patrick’s Day events.  The Krewe of Killarney was started to continue the Mardi Gras celebration, but it’s just a little more laid back.

The Krewe will start its fun at 6:30 p.m. Saturday for the annual Krewe party and auction at the Elks Club on Lower Woodville Road.

This is our only party of the year.

This is the party where we raise money for our charities that we give to each year.  The Krewe awards five scholarships in the amount of $500 to a worthy senior from each of the five local high schools, Natchez High, Vidalia, Cathedral, ACCS and Trinity.

The counselors at each of these schools should have the information on how to apply.

We also give $1,000 to Holy Family Catholic School and Pleasant Acre Day School.

The party is where our outgoing St. Patrick, Pat McDonough, will hand over the shillelagh to this year’s St. Patrick Charlie Blaney so he can lead this year’s parade.

The Krewe reminds all members to bring there favorite finger food and auction item to the party. St. Patrick Pat McDonough will provide the meat.

We would like anyone interested in joining the Krewe to come to the party and have some fun. The social will start at 6:30 p.m. with the auction beginning at approximately 7:15 p.m.

The Parade will be on Saturday, March 16 this year. This is a change for us, but because St. Patrick’s Day is on a Sunday this year, we decided to have the parade on Saturday.

The day will start with a Dutch-treat luncheon at the Eola Hotel starting a noon.

They will have some traditional Irish fare such as corned beef and cabbage along with their normal buffet.

There will be a Mass at 5 p.m. at St. Mary Basilica.

We will then start lining up at 6 p.m. on Main Street next to Memorial Park.  The parade, walking only, will start at approximately 6:30 p.m.  St. Patrick Charlie Blaney will lead the parade down Main Street to the gazebo on the bluff.

We will have an Irish bagpiper to go along with our local Irish drummer, Terry Trovato. St. Patrick will then run all the snakes out of Natchez as the original St. Patrick did in Ireland.

Everyone is invited to walk in the parade. All we ask is that you wear green and wish to be Irish for a day.

Those who want to come and watch the parade may line up on Main Street between North Union and Broadway streets and maybe catch some beads or other green stuff.

The membership dues are $25 for couples and $15 for single memberships.  Where else can you have so much fun for so little money and raise a little money for our worthy charities and our youth?

Anyone who would like more information can contact me at 601-431-7744 or our Krewe Captain Ricky Warren at 601-597-4724.  Please come and enjoy some or all of our events. I know you will have a great time.

 

Joe Garrity is a member of the Krewe of Killarney and served as St. Parick No. 14.