King and Queen for this Year's Irish-Italian Festival Announced Friday Morning

HATTIESBURG, MISS. – Friday morning, the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church introduced King (Truett Robert), “Colleen” (Queen, Cathy Englert) and Grand Marshal (Hattiesburg’s Police Chief, Anthony Parker) for this year’s Irish-Italian Festival ‘Roll and Stroll’ parade. The Irish-Italian Festival began in 2001 as a social gathering for members of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Now in its 17th year, it is one of South Mississippi’s most popular springtime events. Individuals and families of all faiths and backgrounds from throughout the region are invited to come enjoy the festival’s music, food, activities and fellowship, as well as a raffle for a chance to win a trip for two to Ireland, or @. Proceeds from the event have supported a variety of charitable causes.