Natchez — The Krewe of Killarney has selected Eddie Walker to throw the snakes out of Natchez and be Saint Patrick for the St. Patrick’s Day parade on Saturday.

The St. Patrick’s Day parade will begin at 6 p.m. in front of the St. Mary Family Life Center on Main Street and proceed down Main Street to the bluff.As is Natchez tradition, Walker will toss rubber snakes over the bluff as a symbolic representation of the Saint who drove the snakes out of Ireland.

Walker said he is thrilled to accept the honor.

“It’s an honor,” Walker said. “I’ll be following in the footsteps of some very worthy men who have been St. Patrick before me.”

Walker said he visited Ireland last summer as part of an annual trip arranged by the Rev. David O’Connor from St. Mary Basilica. He said the trip was so enjoyable he plans to go again this year.

“We did everything we possibly could,” Walker said. “I’d like to name a highlight but every day was a highlight. The people were wonderful. The countryside was beautiful. Every day was amazing and that is the worst thing I can say about it.”

A group of 35 people will be leaving for Ireland again on June 25 through July 5.

Walker said Krewe of Killarney members usually get one opportunity to be St. Patrick, and Darren Cowart served as St. Patrick before him.

This is Walker’s first and only chance to be the big man in green, and he said he would be dressed for the occasion.

Walker said he has created his own version of the St. Patrick costume.

“All of those who are chosen to be St. Patrick get to design their own costume,” Walker said. “There are no specific rules to it.”

The only criterion, Walker said of his costume is that it must be green.

Walker said he will wear an Irish driving cap that he bought during his trip to Killarney, Ire., last June, and, he said, his wife, Cathy, and hopefully their two sons, Andrew and Austin, will join him on the march.

Walker, a lifelong Natchez resident, has served since Nov. 2007 and is currently serving as Circuit Clerk for Adams County. Prior to that he worked as an investigator for the district attorney’s office.He enjoys hunting, going to the firing range and watching old Western movies. Walker said he never learned to fish and has not hunted in a long time. Walker said he enjoys traveling most of all and would like to take up golf in the future.

Walker said he has been a part of the Krewe of Killarney for several years and doesn’t recall when he first signed up.

“I have a lot of friends that are a part of it,” Walker said. “Good group, good people.”

Walker said he feels fit for his role as St. Patrick, especially since he recently discovered his Irish ancestry.

“I am 15 percent Irish, Scottish and Welch,” Walker said. “I am 65 percent English — but Saturday I will have a green heart.”

He encourages people to sign up for a membership with the Krewe of Killarney and join their cause to support both Holy Family Early Learning Center and the Pleasant Acre Day School. A single membership to Krewe of Killarney costs $20 annually and a family membership costs $30 annually.

Membership checks can be made payable to Krewe of Killarney and sent to P.O. Box 645, Natchez, MS 39120. Questions can be emailed to kreweofkillarney@gmail.com and more information is available at the Krewe of Killarney Facebook page.

Story by Sabrina Simms