Jackson Jambalaya

 Jackson Mayor John Horhn issued the following statement. 

The City of Jackson is notifying residents and visitors of newly adopted parade ordinances that will be in effect for this year’s Hal’s St. Paddy’s Day Parade and related festivities in downtown Jackson. These rules, approved by the Jackson City Council in November 2025, introduce new requirements that differ from previous years and aim to ensure a safer, more orderly, and family-friendly parade experience. The new provisions apply to parade organizers, participants, vendors, and spectators along the route.

Key Changes

Under the ordinance, it is unlawful within the Downtown Business Improvement District during designated parade hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on parade day) to engage in the following activities, except where specifically permitted in writing by the City: 

·         Using or operating grills, barbecues, smokers, open‑flame cooking appliances, or other open burning along the parade route.

·         Performing cooking, including frying with cooking oils or grease, along the parade route unless specifically approved and contained under a City‑issued permit.

·         Possessing or using glass containers, including bottles, jars, and drinking glasses, along the parade route.

·         Operating, parking, or bringing in specialty vehicles such as all‑terrain vehicles (ATVs), golf carts, low‑speed vehicles, and other off‑road or specialty vehicles along the parade route, unless permitted.

·         Placing or maintaining portable toilet units along the parade route except as approved under a permit or as part of an authorized event footprint.

Four hours prior to the scheduled start time of any parade within the Downtown Business Improvement District, it is also unlawful for individuals, organizations, or other entities to fence, rope off, or stake out any area of public property along the parade route. The only exception is when the City’s special events committee approves protective measures for plants and landscaping.

The ordinance further prohibits the carrying of firearms by parade participants and attendees, with an exemption for duly commissioned law enforcement officers, and subject to state law regarding enhanced concealed carry licenses. These provisions are adopted pursuant to state authority that allows municipalities to regulate firearms at parades for public safety while respecting constitutional rights.

Enforcement by Law Enforcement Agencies

The Jackson Police Department and the Mississippi Capitol Police will enforce these new ordinances throughout this year’s Hal’s St. Paddy’s Day Parade. Officers will be deployed along the route and within the Downtown Business Improvement District to monitor compliance with rules related to cooking, glass containers, specialty vehicles, portable toilets, fencing or staking off public property, and the prohibition on firearms.

Violations may result in items being confiscated, permits being revoked, citations being issued, or individuals being removed from the parade area when necessary to protect public safety and maintain order. Parade‑goers are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and adjust traditions that may conflict with the new rules.

Mayor Urges Public Cooperation

“We are committed to making Hal’s St. Paddy’s Day Parade safe and enjoyable for everyone who comes downtown,” said Mayor John Horhn. “These new parade rules will help keep families safe, reduce risks from things like open flames and glass, and make sure our first responders can do their jobs. I’m asking everyone to do their part this year. Leave the glass and grills at home, follow the directions of Jackson Police and Capitol Police, and help us show that Jackson can celebrate responsibly while still having a great time.”

Mayor Horhn emphasized that the parade remains one of the city’s signature cultural events and that these ordinances are designed to preserve, not restrict, the spirit of the celebration. “If we all follow the rules, respect each other, and cooperate with law enforcement, we can have the safest and most fun Hal’s St. Paddy’s Day Parade Jackson has ever seen,” he said.

Plan Ahead and Review the Rules

Residents and visitors are urged to review the ordinance before parade day to ensure compliance and avoid delays or enforcement actions. The full text of the ordinance is available through the City Clerk’s Office and on the City of Jackson’s website at jacksonms.gov/parade-ordinance.