The Krewe of Killarney invites one and all to join us for our 20th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and celebration on Wednesday. You don’t have to be Irish to join the krewe or to walk in the parade, but it sure helps to be Irish-for-the-day!

The day’s events begin with a Dutch treat lunch buffet at the Eola Hotel featuring the traditional corned beef and cabbage from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Rev. David O’Connor will conduct a special Mass celebrating St. Patrick’s Feast Day at St. Mary Basilica at 12:05.

The krewe and anyone wishing to walk in the parade will gather at 5 p.m. on Main Street at Memorial Park. We anticipate a lively parade, featuring Peter Burns Jr. as St. Patrick XX.

The walking parade starts at 5:30 and proceeds down Main Street to the gazebo on the bluff, where St. Patrick will ceremoniously cast the snakes into the river.

Please note that insurance restrictions prohibit skates, skateboards, scooters, bikes or any motorized vehicles in the parade for safety reasons.

The Krewe of Killarney is a non-profit organization that plans and conducts the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade.

In addition, we raise money, through a charity auction and dues, for Pleasant Acre Day School, Holy Family School and scholarships awarded to area students bound for college.

Our charitable work would not be possible without the support and generosity of our members.

I would like to thank Stan Smith of Stan’s String Shop, Johnny Byrne of Byrne Insurance Agency, Sis Stowers of The Columns on Main, and the Knights of Columbus for their generosity.

Membership in the krewe is open to all at $15 for individuals and $25 for couples.

Dues can be mailed to P.O. box 645 Natchez, MS 39121, or you can e-mail us at kreweofkillarney@yahoo.com Please join us!

For more information, call me at 601-442-9571.

Have a happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Kelly Ditzler is president of the Krewe of Killarney.