JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – Thousands of women from across the country are in the capital city, preparing to be decked in Sweet Potato Queen regalia.
On Saturday, they will prance the Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade route.
On Friday, the day began with reuniting, dining, and raising funds during the “Big Hat Brunch.”
“Boss Queen” Jill Conner Browne arrived to hold court for the Big Hat Brunch.
Sweet Potato Queens from as far away as Indiana, Ohio, Florida, Texas, and neighboring Alabama and Louisiana gathered for the fundraising event before Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade.
“I took that plunge in 2009, became a Queen,” said Cassondra Glausier.
Since then, the Lafayette, Louisiana native has made lifelong friends in the queendom.
“It’s the comradery. I mean, we see these ladies, they bring me joy,” said Glausier. “They even have some ladies that do things outside the Sweet Potato Queens together, and it’s just so much fun.”
The Boss Queen first reigned over the parade in 1983 and is amazed at the creativity of the hats and the increasing numbers year after year.
“The friendships that are formed in this group, across the whole world actually, with people who would have never met,” said Conner Browne. “Some of these girls have been coming for over 20 years since my first book was published in 1999.″
Scott Caples is from Tupelo and was in his first parade in 2008. His winning Big Hat creations took him out of contention, ascending him to royal judge.
“For many years, our motto has always been we’ll do anything for the children, and whether it’s dressing up funny and making fools of ourselves and playing and having a great time, we’re gonna end up making money for the children, donating money for the children,” said Caples.
Last year’s Big Hat Brunch and other weekend events raised nearly $200,000 for Friends of Children’s Hospital.
“Come have fun and help a sick baby,” added the Boss Queen.
Friday night, the Queens will dance to Faze Four at Estelle’s.
Saturday, following Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade, the Queens finish the night with PJs & Pearl at the Westin where everyone parties in pajamas.
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