Comcast Come-On-In Party: Noon 'til Cain't Do It No Mo' at Fitzgerald's at The Jackson Hilton (1001 E. County Line Road, 601-957-2800). The Queens' very favorite "Missicians" (singer/songwriters from all over the state) rock from the get-go! Free and open to all.
5-9 p.m. Arts, Eats and Beats: It's Fondren's giant annual street party to welcome spring to Jackson. Enjoy live music, street vendors, food and great company. Free.
6:30-7:30 p.m. See the Budweiser Clydesdales up close and personal on Duling Avenue in Fondren. The raffle drawing will be held for the winner to ride the Bud rig during the Zippity Doo Dah Parade Saturday.
Friday, March 23
11 a.m. — The Big Hat Luncheon is at Sal & Mookie's; $21 in advance; $26 at the door (not included in the Weekend Pass*. Call 601-368-1919 to make your reservation.)
12:45 p.m. — Big Hats on Parade—(informal sashay from Sal & Mookie's into the center of Fondren).
2-5 p.m.—The Everyday Gourmet's Annual Wannabe Welcome Party. (Included in Weekend Pass*.)
3-7 p.m.—Chillin', Gossipin', Tellin' Lies—in Fitzgerald's at the Jackson Hilton—snacks and music provided by the Hilton (included in Weekend Pass*)
6-9 p.m. — Dance Concert on Duling Avenue featuring Memphis dance band The Bouffants; free.
8 p.m. — The first-ever Pepsi Big Hair Ball with music from the Mississippi Blues All-Stars, benefiting Animal Rescue Fund of Mississippi is at the Jackson Hilton. Prizes for biggest hair, weirdest hair and funniest hair (included in Weekend Pass* or $10 at the door).
Saturday, March 24
8 a.m. — Fondren Un-Zipped port-a-potty decorating begins, $75 per business, school, team or individual.
10 a.m. — "Bacon, Biscuits, Bloodies & Books" Jill Conner Browne signs copies of her new book at Duling Hall. $20 ticket includes a copy of "Fat is the New 30: The Sweet Potato Queens' Guide to Coping with (the crappy parts of) Life." Featuring Cathead Vodka Zing Zang Bloody Marys or Screwdrivers for those 21 and older (included in Weekend Pass*).
10 a.m.-2 p.m. — Sal & Mookie's 5th Anniversary Street Carnival on the Veterans' Memorial Stadium green space and at the Batson Children's Hospital Jump Zone on Duling Lawn. Includes a silent auction from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; Sweet Potato Tots Coronation at 1 p.m.; Pizza Pie and Ice-Cream Eating Contest from 1-2 p.m.
1 p.m. — The Mississippi Mass Choir performs on the Main Stage.
3 p.m. — The winners of the Fondren Un-Zipped Port-a-Potty Decorating announced at the Sal & Mookie's Carnival Stage.
7 p.m. —BankPlus Zippity Doo Dah Parade with Grand Marshall Jackson State University President Dr. Carolyn Meyers. Featuring the Sweet Potato Queens, the JSU Sonic Boom of the South and the Budweiser Clydesdales. Free.
Immediately following the parade, join the Street Party on Duling Avenue with music from the Delta Mountain Boys. The winner of the Patty Peck Honda Doo Dah Day Blue Car Giveaway will be announced.
9:30 p.m.ish — Pearls & Pjs with Chris Gill and The Sole Shakers is at the Hilton-Jackson. Late-night snacks from the Hilton. (Included in Weekend Pass*)
*Order your $89 ZDD Weekend Pass at http://www.zddparade.com/store/weekend.php. More details at http://www.zddparade.com.
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