Jackson Free Press

All Zippity Doo Dah events take place in Fondren or at the Hilton Jackson hotel (1001 E. County Line Road). The hotel offers a special rate for visiting Sweet Potato Queens and guests. For the details, visit sweetpotatoqueens.com or call Billie Burns at 601-957-2800. Mention the bathrobe brunch if you want to get the guest rate.

Sweet Potato Queens Zippity Doo Dah weekend passes are $74. To order weekend passes, visit zddparade.com. Passes will be available for pickup at the Hilton Jackson at the beginning of the weekend.

Thursday, March 21

5:30 p.m. -- Arts, Eats and Beats begins in Fondren, featuring live music, battle of the bands, food specials and local art on display.

Noon-midnight. The Come-On-In Party at Fitzgerald's at the Hilton Jackson begins, featuring music by "Missicians" from across the state.

Friday, March 22

11 a.m. -- The Big Hat Brunch starts at Sal & Mookie's (565 Taylor St., 601-368-1919). Brunch is not included in the weekend pass--call 601-368-1919 or email [email protected] for reservations. Tickets are $21 in advance and $26 at the door. During brunch, cast your votes for local bakers' creations in the cake decorating competition or compete in the best hat contest.

11 a.m. -- The Unzipped Runway Fashion Show begins at The Cedars (4145 Old Canton Road, 601-366-5552). NOTE: The Runway show has moved to the Hilton Jackson due to possibly inclement weather.

2-5 p.m. -- The Everyday Gourmet's Annual Wannabe Welcome Party is at The Everyday Gourmet (1625 E. County Line Road, 601-977-9258). The event is included in the weekend pass, and buses will transport guest between the Everyday Gourmet, the Hilton Jackson and Sal & Mookie's from 10:45 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

3-7 p.m. -- Chillin', Gossipin', Tellin' Lies, with snacks and music in Fitzgerald's at the Hilton.

6 p.m. -- The Budweiser Clydesdales Restaurant Hop makes its way through Fondren. NOTE: The restaurant hop has been canceled due to possibly inclement weather.

9 p.m.-midnight. -- Pearls, PJs & Pelo Grande takes over the Hilton Jackson grand ballroom. Attendees are encouraged to wear pajamas, jewels and their biggest hairstyles (Pelo Grande means oversized hair-dos). A prize will go to the best hairstyle. Kacey Jones, Raphael Semmes, Jewel Bass, These Days will perform. Admission is included in the weekend pass; no tickets will be sold at the door. Concurrently, Krazy Karaoke will also be held at the Hilton Jackson.

Saturday, March 23

All Day -- The Fondren area offers activities, music, sales, special events and more throughout the day.

9 a.m. -- The Color Me Rad 5K begins at the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium (2531 N. State St., 601-354-6021), with waves of runners beginning every 20 minutes. Runners can pick up packets at the Cabot Lodge Millsaps (2375 N. State St., 601-948-8650) Thursday, March 21, and Friday, March 22, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Registration is sold out, but spectators are welcome. Visit colormerad.com for more information.

10 a.m. -- The Patty Peck Honda Doo Dah Day Blue Car Giveaway takes place at the stadium after the last wave of runners finishes. The winner will receive a new Honda Civic. Opportunities to purchase or win raffle tickets are available throughout the weekend. For details or to purchase raffle tickets, visit foch.org/events/zippity-doo-dah-parade-and-festival/. Proceeds benefit Friends of the Children's Hospital.

10 a.m. - 3 p.m. -- Sal & Mookie's Sixth Annual Children's Carnival is held on the green space by the restaurant.

Dusk --Third Annual Zippity Doo Dah Parade in Fondren

5 p.m. -- Mini-float line up at the Stadium. 

6 p.m. -- Marchers line up at the Stadium.

7ish p.m. -- The parade begins, led by the Budweiser Clydesdales. Visit fondren.org for the parade route.

9:30 p.m. -- The Sweet Potato Queens Ball begins at the Hilton Jackson, featuring Chris Gill & the Sole Shakers. Attendees are encouraged to remain in their parade costumes. Admission is included in the weekend pass, no tickets will be sold at the door.

Sunday, March 24

8:30 a.m. -- Bathrobe Brunch at the Hilton Jackson begins. Tickets are $20 advance purchase for Hilton Jackson room guests, $29 in advance for non-hotel guests and $39 at the door. Jill Conner Browne speaks at 9:30 a.m.