PICAYUNE, Miss. – As Mardi Gras season approaches, the excitement is already building in south Mississippi. One of the most anticipated traditions during this time is the king cake, and it seems these sweet treats are already flying off the shelves.
For many families in the region, the arrival of king cakes marks the beginning of the festive season. Julie Douglas, a resident of Madison, Mississippi, recalls her childhood experiences with Mardi Gras. “As a kid in school, we would get out of school several days for Mardi Gras,” she said. “That was so special. We would go to the parades, but my favorite part was always the king cake.”
The demand for king cakes has led many locals to visit Paul’s Pastry Shop in Picayune, a place that has become synonymous with this beloved tradition. Serita Spears, a long-time resident of Picayune, has been involved with the shop for about 35 years. Denise Bales, another regular customer, has been coming to Paul’s for king cakes since around 1985. She even ships one to her sister in Missouri every year.
The Thigpen family, who owns Paul’s Pastry Shop, has been making king cakes for over 50 years. The first batch of the season was available on Friday afternoon, signaling the start of the busy Mardi Gras period.
Sherri Thigpen, the owner of the shop, shared that this is the busiest time of the year for them. “We just opened up today and tomorrow for a soft re-opening for the beginning of the year. Tuesday, we will start king cakes with a couple thousand a day and getting those out to all the little homes they need to go to,” she said. Thigpen added that the shop will produce nearly 70,000 king cakes throughout the Mardi Gras season.
Whether people prefer sweet or savory flavors, the king cake remains a symbol of the approaching Mardi Gras celebrations. This year, Paul’s Pastry Shop is offering a unique twist by serving savory king cakes on Saturdays throughout the season. Flavors include boudin, spinach and artichoke, giving customers a variety of options to choose from.
- The Thigpen family has been making king cakes for over 50 years.
- Paul’s Pastry Shop expects to make nearly 70,000 king cakes during the Mardi Gras season.
- Savory king cakes featuring boudin, spinach, and artichoke will be available on Saturdays.
For those looking to join in on the tradition, visiting Paul’s Pastry Shop is a must. With its long history and commitment to quality, the shop continues to bring joy to families across the region.
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