Butterflies in the Pass set for September 30

On Saturday, September 30, the Butterflies in the Pass Monarch Festival will be back to educate the community about Monarch butterflies and other pollinators.

The event, set for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at War Memorial Park, is free and open to the public. It will take place near the gazebo and the Billy Bourdin Butterfly Garden and Monarch Way Station inside the park, which is located at the intersection of Highway 90 and Fleitas Avenue in Pass Christian.

The festival will feature speakers, educational exhibits, hands on activities for all ages and a walking parade for anyone in butterfly regalia – including pets. Attendees can learn about the benefits of Monarch butterflies and other pollinators, their life cycles and what humans can do to help them thrive.

In addition, this year, beloved Mexican artist Carmen Parra will be the “Godmother of the Festival.” Known for her paintings of butterflies, Parra also represents Mexico, where the Monarchs migrate for the winter.

Exhibitors will include the Mississippi State Extension, Crosby Arboretum, the Pass Christian Garden Club, naturalists, Master Gardeners, the Mississippi Forestry Commission, Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, conservation districts, the Beach Beekeepers Association, the Hattiesburg Zoo, entomology and other specialists, and the Pass Christian Library.

The Welcome and Butterfly Walking Parade is set to begin at 10 a.m., followed by several events and featured speakers, with exhibits scheduled to close at 1 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, and butterfly-themed costumes are encouraged.

In the event of inclement weather, the event will be moved to the Pass Christian Library at 111 Hiern Avenue. 

The Market in the Park will also take place during the festival and will have butterfly-themed items for sale. 

For more information about the event, call the library at 228-452-4596 or follow the library and Butterflies in the Pass on social media.