by Ezabelle Janssen, Staff Writer
PASS CHRISTIAN (GG) — Pass Christian got shamrockin’ on Saturday, March 14th, as the Krewe of Blarney Halfast Marching Klub brought a little Irish luck and a lot of local fun to its annual St. Patrick’s Day parade.
The unmistakable sound of bagpipes carried through the air, setting the tone before the first bead was thrown. Behind them, marchers stopped in at local businesses along the route, turning the parade into something more charismatic than a traditional procession.
Leading the way, 2026 Grand Marshal, Ward 1 Alderman Barry Dreyfus stepped out in a wedding tux dressed with clover accents, equal parts sharp and spirited. Nearby, Colleen Lyla Bentz rode with poise in white, crowned and glowing as she waved to the crowd lining the streets from curb to curb.
“Being the grand marshal was very nice,” said Dreyfus, “It personified Pass Christian. The unorganization of it added to the flavor of it. We went to certain businesses along the parade route. The people were great. Kids were there. I just couldn’t have enjoyed it more. It’s just Pass Christian.”
The procession was an array of festive, familiar faces, like 2025 Grand Marshall Ward 3 Alderman Kirk Kimball, who shimmered past in a glittering blazer, while former mayor Jimmy Rafferty joined the procession with a smile.
Adding a spark of playful chaos, Da Elves of Pass Christian traded their Christmas getup for something a little more green. Fire Chief Dia’mond Woodman added a touch of chivalry, passing out flowers along the way, with his right-hand man, Captain Andy Purchner, partying beside in a decked-out golf cart.
(Photos by Ezabelle Janssen/The Gazebo Gazette)
