Jill Conner Browne and Jeff Good

The Fondren Renaissance Foundation is proud to announce the first annual Zippity Doo Dah® Parade Weekend in Fondren for the benefit of Mississippi’s only children’s hospital, Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children in Fondren.

The inaugural family-friendly event will bring thousands to Fondren over the weekend of March 24-26, 2011, culminating with the Zippity Doo Dah® Parade the evening of Saturday, March 26 featuring the World Famous Sweet Potato Queens® from across the world.

Festivities kick off at 5 pm Thursday March 24 as Fondren merchants and restaurants host a very special Fondren After 5: Doo Dahin’ in Fondren, including a scavenger hunt, gallery stroll, and The MARKET in Fondren, all to welcome local guests and hundreds of visiting Queens. On Friday, March 25, The Sweet Potato Queens® invade Sal & Mookie’s for their annual Big Hat Luncheonâ„¢ and are then let loose in Fondren for more shopping.

Saturday, March 26 will be packed with events including Sal & Mookie’s annual Children’s Street Carnival, merchant sidewalk sales, the MARKET in Fondren, the Clear Channel Stage, and the Patty Peck Honda Doo Dah Dayâ„¢ Blue Car Giveaway. The evening culminates with the first-ever Zippity Doo Dah® Parade.

Volunteers are urged to email zippitycrew@gmail.com to participate, while sponsorship opportunities can be found at ZippityDooDahParade.com.