Irish-Italian parade announces king and colleen

HATTIESBURG, Miss - The official kick-off of the Irish-Italian parade started today. St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic church announced their King and Colleen for this year's 15th festival.

This year's King and Colleen is Hal Odom of Hattiesbug and Southern Miss Women's Basketball coach Joye Lee-McNelis.

"I do not think I have been in a parade since I wish in a marching band, many years ago, so I am pretty excited about having this of being King" says Odom.

Coach Lee-McNelis says, "I am very flattered, very honored, and very humble to be able to be a part of such a festival that really involves our community."

A portion of the money raised throughout the festival will go towards multiple charities.