by K.G. McAnally, Staff Writer
BAY ST. LOUIS (GG) — On Saturday, January 10th, Mockingbird Café and Old Town Merchants Association presented the 9th Annual Dolly Should! ahead of Dolly Parton’s 80th birthday. This FREE all-day, family and pet friendly event encourages Dolly Parton to celebrate her upcoming birthday in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.
Everyone else was welcome to celebrate too! Events kicked off running with the annual 9 to 5K presented by the Bay St. Louis Running Club and Mockingbird Café.
The race is known to be a heartwarming, community event. The weather cooperated allowing for an enjoyable experience for the participants. In honor of Dolly’s literary initiative, a Children’s Book Drive will continue through January 31st for Hancock County libraries.
New and gently used books may be dropped off at the following locations: Mockingbird Café, Sassy Bird Interiors, and The Shops of Century Hall. Ladies in their best bedazzled denim, rhinestones and blonde wigs showed off their moves in the Highest Hair contest and the Dolly Look Alike contest.
Entry fees were donated to the Hancock County Food Pantry. Guest judge for Mockingbird Café’s Dolly Look Alike Contest, TikTok celebrity and local home cook, Mississippi Kween, took part in the festivities.
Dolly-style merchandise and discounts kept local businesses busy, and the food and drink specials at local eateries offered a “Cup of Ambition” to keep the party going. Dolly enthusiasts came from Mississippi and Louisiana with groups of girlfriends.
For many others, Dolly’s “kindness” and “authenticity” is an inspiration. Hoots and hollers of “Happy 80th Birthday, Dolly,” could be heard all over Old Town well into the night.
Photos by K.G. McAnally/The Gazebo Gazette
