Central Mississippi’s annual celebration of Spring has been described as a “green Mardi Gras” and as a “lighthearted homecoming where everyone is king-and-queen-for a-day.” It is also a celebration of the rebirth of Mississippi’s capital city, a joyous observance of what is “good and encouraging” about the heart of our state. It is a day where sense of humor and sense of place rule the day. It is a time to honor the good work of the UMC’s Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children. This rambling, outrageous, hilarious ride, starting and ending at Jackson’s favorite gathering place—Hal & Mal’s—will from this day forward be known as “Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade” in honor of Hal White.

Hal (Harold Taylor White, Jr.) was born on March 13, 1949, in a modest apartment home on the campus of Perkinston Junior College. He was the first born son of Harold Sr. and Nelda Gene, and big brother to Mal. Hal was athletic, approachable and a naturally affable kid. He was an outstanding Boy Scout, but never much of a student. He attended Northeast Community College and Mississippi State University, and learned to make a living by working hard and being nice to people.