Beloved Alabama writer named Grand Marshall of Dothan’s KOK Mardi Gras Parade

DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN) — Sean Dietrich, an Alabama-based writer and well-known name in the Wiregrass, has been named the Grand Marshall of the 2025 Krewe of Kolosse Mardi Gras Parade.

The parade will take place in downtown Dothan on Saturday, March 1.

Dietrich, known by his moniker “Sean of the South,” is a writer, columnist, and musician who focuses on life in the South and draws inspiration from his childhood and early life.

“This really is a big honor. I’ve only been a marshall of a Mardi Gras parade once. I sat on the back of a convertible, and the guy happened to gas without telling me to hold on, so I nearly lost my life. I feel prepared for this job and ready to do this without dying,” Dietrich told WDHN.

Dietrich, a Walton County, Florida native, caught his big break as a writer in Dothan ten years ago, and that has now become his full-time profession. He became well-known around the Wiregrass and the South with his traveling comedy, storytelling shows, books, and daily social media blog posts.

“People started showing up, and the room filled up, and then it was beyond full with people on the sidewalk, and they were all from Dothan,” Dietrich said. “They were there to say hi and shake my hand. I was weeping and crying because that was the first time I spoke like that in front of people.”

“With his deep love for Dothan and his incredible storytelling talent, we could not think of a better person to ask to be the Grand Marshal for the Krewe of Kolosse’s tenth anniversary,” Krewe of Kollosse representatives said in a release. “His passion for our community shines through the many works he has created focusing on Dothan, Alabama, and we can’t wait to see how he brings this unforgettable experience to life in words!”

The Krewe of Kollose is also still looking for vendors and local marching bands. Anyone interested in becoming a vendor can apply here .

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