by K.G. McAnally, Staff Writer
PASS CHRISTIAN (GG) — Pass Christian’s annual Monarch Festival, also known as Butterflies in the Pass, took place Saturday, October 4th, 2025 from 10am-1pm in War Memorial Park. This event featured speakers, educational exhibits, and hands-on activities. Attendees in butterfly themed costumes, other pollinators and insects enjoyed the opportunity for free family and pet friendly fun with something for all ages, including a walking parade.
The Butterfly Walking Parade was led by the Scouts of Troop 316, Miss Mississippi’s Teen Avery McNair, and the Bay Ratz Marching Band. Others included Da Butterfly Elves, the Bay 2nd Liners Butterflies, the Crosby Arboretum Butterflies and Beetles and any costumed attendees, including pets.
The goal of the annual Monarch Festival is to educate the public about Monarch butterflies and how our community can help preserve and protect them with Monarch Way Stations.
Guest speakers included:
- Dr. Gary Bachman, host of Southern Gardening – Nectar Plants for the Home Garden
- Dr. Christian Stephenson, MSU Extension – Life Cycle of Butterflies
- Amy Nichols, Master Gardener – Monarch Waystations & Maintaining Milkweed
The weekly Pass Market also took place during the festival with butterfly themed items for sale. Vendors and food trucks, including The Sweet Escape, were there to provide refreshments to the butterfly enthusiasts. For information about the Monarch Festival, please call the Pass Christian Public Library at 228-452-4596 or email passchristianlibrary@gmail.com. You can also get information from Facebook (Pass Christian Library page) or follow the Pass Christian Library on Instagram.
Special thanks to the sponsors for this community event including the Pass Christian Library, the City of Pass Christian, the Pass Christian Garden Club and Pass Christian Main Street.
(Photos by K.G. McAnally/The Gazebo Gazette)
