New Calliope costume to be unveiled at Caterpillar Parade

By editor3 | April 2, 2025 |

By Sherry Lucas

Calliope the Caterpillar’s eighteen-year-old costume will be replaced with a fresh new design at this year’s Caterpillar Parade.

The Caterpillar Parade on Saturday, April 12, begins at 10 a.m. with festivities in Lions Club Park at the start, then the parade through Olde Towne following. This year, a main draw will be the debut of the new Calliope the Caterpillar.

The new Calliope costume remains true to the roots of its fun, Chinese dragon-like feel, but incorporates design elements for more comfortable use and festive flair.

With the existing costume close to eighteen years old and showing visible wear and tear, “It was just time for a fresh new look,” Main Street Clinton Director Tara Lytal said. “We worked closely with Clintonian Dave Ellis to tackle the creation of a new ‘iconic’ caterpillar for the community. We wanted the new version to closely resemble the original design with improvements.”

Ellis, who has built sets for different theater groups and more in the Jackson metro area, took on the project. He designed the costume, Aqua Fibergass fashioned the head and Juan’s Upholstery did the body.

“It’s very, very nice,” Ellis said, preparing to integrate the head and body as the parade nears. “We looked at the entire thing, when it came to the design.”

Extra touches, such as special pants the costume wearers will don and big flags that go along with the caterpillar’s parade down the street, will amp up the visual impact.

The parade itself is “homespun fun at its finest,” Main Street Clinton Assistant Jackie Massey said. Walkers and wagons, trikes and bikes are all part of the parade’s all-ages appeal. “It seems that every year, the event grows because neighbors and friends take advantage of the opportunity to be together.”

Community businesses and citizens are welcome to enter a golf cart float, festooned to suit the celebration.

“It’s a great way to be a part of the event for those who may not relish the multi-block walk on the brick streets,” Massey said. Golf cart floats must be registered. Registration links can be found on the Main Street Clinton website, www.MainStreetClintonMS.com.

Krewe de Caterpillar, comprised of Main Street Clinton board members, former board members and volunteers, is the original krewe, but various guest krewes have fallen into step over the years. Each krewe is asked to have a unifying visual presence, such as the same color of T-shirts, head gear or props to signal what binds them together.

“Local school groups, clubs and businesses have done a fine job demonstrating the vision,” Massey said. “We are always eager to have more guest krewes join us.” Registration is required; sign up online through www.MainStreetClintonMS.com.

There is no registration for walkers, stroller pushers, wagon pullers and bike riders. All should come to Lions Club Park at 9:30 a.m. on April 12 to join in parade festivities. Parade lineup is directed from the Atmos Stage, and the Grand Marshal will lead the parade into the main streets of Olde Towne, starting at 10 a.m.

SIDEBAR:

Opportunities to join in the caterpillar fun include:

Butterfly Court: Open to any young girl, the Butterfly Court marches together in the Caterpillar Parade wearing wings and sashes and is recognized alongside the Queen at the crowning ceremony. Butterflies wear their best butterfly costume and a big smile. Application required.
Golf Cart Parade: Businesses, organizations or clubs can enter golf cart floats in the Caterpillar Parade, offering a fun opportunity to show community spirit by decorating a golf cart for spring and handing out goodies to the families and children gathered for the parade. Political golf cart floats will not be allowed. Registration required.
Caterpillar Krewe: Krewes – groups with some shared interest or history that is visually unified as the group marches in the parade – choose a name that communicates the krewe’s story, create an identifying poster or banner, and brand themselves with a color scheme, matching t-shirts and/or headgear. Bright and colorful visual props that create a celebratory atmosphere are encouraged. Registration required.
Parade Walkers and Riders: No registration is required for walkers, stroller pushers, wagon pullers and bike riders who wish to join the parade. Decorations and costumes are encouraged, but not required.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar: The classic children’s book will be read to all parade participants and spectators at Lions Club Park at 9:30 a.m.
Caterpillar Queen Crowning: The Caterpillar Queen crowning ceremony will be held following the reading at the Atmos Stage in Lions Club Park, and the parade lineup will begin. The parade will be led through the streets of Olde Towne starting at 10 a.m.
Chrysalis Giveaway: After the parade, families can pick up their very own chrysalis to take home, courtesy of Main Street Clinton.