JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
There was an historic milestone in the capital city Saturday as Mal's St. Paddy's Parade rolled through downtown Jackson.
Last year more than 65,000 attended, and for three decades people from around the world have partied at Mississippi's big Irish bash.
The sweet sounds of jazz filled the air as thousands danced in the streets. This year's theme was That's What I Like About the South.
"Every day is a holiday, and every meal is a picnic," said one reveler decked out in green.
It was a festive time as the capital city turned green celebrating three decades of family fun.
"It is a family event for us. It's the end of spring break, and we're just excited to be out in the sunshine," said parade goer Latricia McCoy.
"They've never been. I wanted them to get a chance to get the experience and see what St. Patrick's Day is all about, just fun and fun and fun. They caught all the beads, and they've just enjoyed themselves out here," said Monjineh Springer, who brought her young sons.
There were green kilts, green tutus, bikes and beads and everything Irish combined with a Mardi Gras feel.
Parade founder Malcolm White started this celebration in 1983. It began with a few people and over 30 years has evolved into crowds of tens of thousands.
"It's St. Paddy's Day in Jackson of course ... so much fun I look forward to it every year. It's my favorite event," said parade goer Jennifer Yarborough.
"Just celebrate, just to have fun, bring them out nice weather and just family bonding," said Willie Levy.
"From what I hear this is gonna be a great party. First parade looking forward to it, then I'm gonna go over to Club Magoo's and have some barbeque and listen to some great bands," said Brandy Donatiello.
Horticulturist Felder Rushing, the man with the ultimate green thumb, served as grand marshal riding the route in his famed green pickup-truck and garden.
Up to 70,000 were expected this year -- among them caped super heroes and, don't forget, queens of all kinds decked out in green.
It was the ultimate party to usher in spring with the luck of the Irish, Mississippi style.
It's not over yet. Next weekend, Jill Conner Browne and her Sweet Potato Queens will lead the Zippity Doo Dah Parade through Fondren
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