JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – Thousands of women from across the country are in the capital city, preparing to be decked in Sweet Potato Queen regalia. <\/p>\n
On Saturday, they will prance the Hal\u2019s St. Paddy\u2019s Parade route. <\/p>\n
On Friday, the day began with reuniting, dining, and raising funds during the \u201cBig Hat Brunch.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBoss Queen\u201d Jill Conner Browne arrived to hold court for the Big Hat Brunch. <\/p>\n
Sweet Potato Queens from as far away as Indiana, Ohio, Florida, Texas, and neighboring Alabama and Louisiana gathered for the fundraising event before Hal\u2019s St. Paddy\u2019s Parade. <\/p>\n
\u201cI took that plunge in 2009, became a Queen,\u201d said Cassondra Glausier.<\/p>\n
Since then, the Lafayette, Louisiana native has made lifelong friends in the queendom.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s the comradery. I mean, we see these ladies, they bring me joy,\u201d said Glausier. \u201cThey even have some ladies that do things outside the Sweet Potato Queens together, and it\u2019s just so much fun.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe friendships that are formed in this group, across the whole world actually, with people who would have never met,\u201d said Conner Browne. \u201cSome of these girls have been coming for over 20 years since my first book was published in 1999.\u2033<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
\u201cFor many years, our motto has always been we\u2019ll do anything for the children, and whether it\u2019s dressing up funny and making fools of ourselves and playing and having a great time, we\u2019re gonna end up making money for the children, donating money for the children,\u201d said Caples.<\/p>\n
Last year\u2019s Big Hat Brunch and other weekend events raised nearly $200,000 for Friends of Children\u2019s Hospital.<\/p>\n
\u201cCome have fun and help a sick baby,\u201d added the Boss Queen. <\/p>\n
Friday night, the Queens will dance to Faze Four at Estelle\u2019s. <\/p>\n
Saturday, following Hal\u2019s St. Paddy\u2019s Parade, the Queens finish the night with PJs & Pearl at the Westin where everyone parties in pajamas.<\/p>\n
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