Biloxi Lighthouse turning green for Irish Heritage Month
Although COVID-19 has caused some of the Coast’s traditional St. Patrick’s Day festivities to be canceled, the Hibernia Marching Society is still finding ways to celebrate Irish culture throughout March.
Due to a blown fuse, the Biloxi Lighthouse was unable to turn green Thursday evening. However, once it’s fixed, the lighthouse will be sporting its new color for all of March in honor of Irish Heritage Month.
While the annual event put on by the Hibernia Marching Society was still able to go on, not all the usual St. Patrick festivities are happening. Hibernia Marching Society Membership Chair Leonie Simmons said, “Obviously we’ve had to change up some of our events this year for social distancing, but we’re not– we don’t have to abandon the mission and the celebration. So now everyone that drives up and down Highway 90 will be able to see our beautiful green lighthouse with a shamrock.”
With so many people on the Gulf Coast of Irish heritage, the Hibernia Marching Society wants to make sure to still recognize the Irish culture and also invite others to celebrate as well. “This is what we like to say: ‘Come along and be a part because if you’re born Irish, married Irish, or just Irish by desire, we welcome you aboard.”
Biloxi resident Eileen Mahoney Ezell said, “It’s in our blood. We love to have fun and it’s all about having a good time and sharing our Irish funness.”
Coast residents can still celebrate Irish culture this month by dressing up in their best green attire and participating in the St. Patrick 5K on March 13th. Additionally, Biloxi Mayor FoFo Gilich will be proclaiming March as Irish Month on the 23rd.
However, there may be some more Irish fun in the future. “It’s all about the camaraderie of friends and just having a good time with a good glass of wine and a good cold Guinness.”
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