52 on Fridays (34/52) Street Photography

Few people would believe it, but one of the largest St. Patrick's Day parades in North America takes place in Jackson, Mississippi. That's right. Jackson. As the story goes, some time in the 80's a group of friends decided to make something happen. What started as small diversion downtown turned into the Mal's St. Paddy's Day Parade, a celebration for hundreds of thousands and a huge money maker for local charities. I can't wait to share images from the 2012 parade, so, in my best Cat Deeley voice, here are your guys...

 here are your girls...

 and here are, well, here are the rest?

 There are enough oddities in the parade that you get a lot of looks like this from those viewing the parade.

It's a very interactive parade with lots of dancing, laughing, beads, and, of course, green.

Much of the success of the parade is owed to noted author Jill Conner Browne's enthusiasm and her successful Sweet Potato Queen book series. Sadly, the SPQ's have split off from the original parade and started their own event, the Zippity Doo Dah Parade.While I do miss having everyone together, it is nice to have two large fundraising events and two exciting things to do. Next year I'll share some images from the other parade.

Please visit my friend, Lisa, at Lisa Tarplee Photography to see her view of the street in Florida. I know it will be great!