by Sabrina Simms

NATCHEZ — Blaine McAndrews grew up taking part in every role Pilgrimage offers, and now he proudly accepts the honor of representing the Natchez Garden Club as the 2018 King.

Blaine is the son of Mark and Kimberly McAndrews, both Natchez natives. His mother Kimberly said she served as NGC committee chairman for years. Blaine’s older sister Kathleen has been involved with Pilgrimage alongside her brother for most of his life.

Blaine said his favorite part of Pilgrimage has been his recent kingship and his friendships along the way.

“I didn’t even know I wanted to do it until my friends were on the court,” Blaine said.

Blaine said he has known NGC queen Julia Kuehnle since they attended school together at Cathedral School. Kuehnle said she and Blaine’s tableaux resumes are equally lengthy as if the two of them were competing for a most-involved award.

“We’ve pretty much done the same things,” Blaine said and his mother agreed.

“They’ve both done every tableaux,” Kimberly said. “It’s kind of unusual for a boy to have that long of a tableaux resume … but he participated in everything.”

She said Blaine participated in Pilgrimage before he was old enough to walk — older participants pushed him around in a wheelbarrow. He’s been a part of the NGC royal court in the past as drummer, flag bearer and page.

His uniform is a replica of those worn by Robert E. Lee’s officers and is confederate gray with embroidered sleeves. Blaine’s authentic costume, sword and hat were purchased from Blockade Runner in Nashville, which specializes in Civil War reenactment outfits.

“They are very realistic,” Blaine said. Blaine said his ornate sword — replicated from those wielded by Confederate cavalry officers — has a brass CS logo crafted on the hilt.

His hat also mirrors that of a cavalry officer.

“The cavalry officer’s hat was turned up a little on one side so that when they were drawing their sword they wouldn’t bump their hat off,” Kimberly said.

Blaine said he enjoys hunting, fishing, and hanging out with friends. He is a senior diesel technology major at Copiah-Lincoln College in Natchez. When he finishes school, he plans to work for a few years with Caterpillar Inc. before joining a pipeline crew in Texas.

Blaine said his favorite part of accepting his role as 2018 king is showing visitors the history of his hometown and showing pride in his community.

Blaine said although he is moving away from Natchez for work when he finishes school at Co-Lin, Natchez will always have a significant role in his life. Blaine said he will always remember the many years he has taken the stage at Pilgrimage, and said he is proud to accept his biggest role yet.

“(Pilgrimage) pretty much sums up my whole childhood,” he said.