Hal's St. Paddy's Parade Fund
The Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade Fund supports one of Jackson’s most beloved annual traditions while helping extend the parade’s spirit of community through grants benefiting Children’s of Mississippi and other charitable efforts.
What began in downtown Jackson in 1983 has grown into one of Central Mississippi’s signature celebrations. Often described as a “green Mardi Gras,” Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade brings together generations of Mississippians for a day filled with humor, music, costumes, community and a shared celebration of the capital city.
The parade is named in honor of Hal White, co-founder of Hal & Mal’s and a beloved Jackson restaurateur known for his warmth, generosity and deep connection to the community. A self-taught chef influenced by Gulf Coast and New Orleans foodways, Hal built a life around bringing people together. His love for family, friends, Jackson and the parade helped shape the welcoming spirit that continues to define the event today.
Over the years, the celebration has expanded to include a street dance, children’s activities, races, a pet parade and other festivities, all centered around downtown Jackson. But at its heart, the event has remained about more than celebration. It is also an opportunity to give back.
The Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade Fund helps carry that tradition forward by supporting grants for Children’s of Mississippi and other charitable efforts. Through the fund, donors can help sustain a Jackson tradition while extending the goodwill and community spirit that Hal White brought to everything he did.
