Lady Katharine Ryan Mackin
– Knights of Revelry –
The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Neal Mackin, Lady Katharine, or Ryan as she fondly goes by, has deep roots in the traditions of Mardi Gras and more importantly in the Knights of Revelry (KOR). Her grandfather, Walt Hayes, proudly participated in the Knights of Revelry (KOR) from 1978 until 2020, and was honored as a Knight Exemplar for KOR. Following in his footsteps, her mother, Donna Hayes Mackin, adorned the title of KOR Leading Lady in 1991. Meanwhile, her father, Jeff Mackin, continues to be an active member of KOR, participating since 1993 and counting.
Reflecting on the family’s legacy, Ryan shares fond memories of her grandfather and father riding in the KOR parade, throwing moonpies, beads, and stuffed animals to the enthusiastic crowd. “The weekend before Fat Tuesday, my friends and family all get together and stay at our house to go downtown to watch the parades,” she shares. “We have a picnic lunch on Bienville Square every year. It is always so much fun.”
As the current Leading Lady, Ryan feels a profound connection to her mother’s legacy, pouring over old photos and celebrating the traditions that make Mardi Gras a significant part of her family’s history.
Ryan is a proud Alumna of St. Paul’s Episcopal School and currently attends Auburn University where she majors in Early Childhood Education. Active in the Delta Delta Delta sorority, Ryan engages in fundraising efforts to support St. Jude. She will graduate in May 2025 and plans to become an early childhood teacher and an after-school swim coach. “My goal is to be as involved as possible with my students to help them develop and maintain a steady future for themselves,” she proudly shares.
In her free time, Ryan is a bundle of positive energy. Whether swimming, running, hitting the gym, or delving into a good book, she leads an active lifestyle. Weekends are reserved for quality time with friends, enjoying movies or heading to the theater for a new cinematic experience. Family holds a special place in her heart, and visits to Mobile mean catching up with loved ones and her beloved dog, Penny.
“Love Letter to Mobile:
“Mardi Gras is my favorite holiday. Each year, I get to show my friends around Mobile and have a great time watching parades and seeing people I went to high school with. I love Mobile, not only just for Mardi Gras, but for making me who I am today.”
– Lady Katharine Ryan Mackin
Knights of Revelry”
Ryan’s love for the Bay area goes beyond its scenic beauty. The warmth and kindness of its people have left an indelible mark on her, shaping her into the person she is today. “Home just makes me happy,” she happily admits. “I am always so eager to come home from college on the weekends so I can enjoy a home cooked meal by my dad or catch up on life with my parents and brother over a drink in our backyard.”
Describing her personal style as casual, Ryan gravitates towards comfortable t-shirts and running shorts. Inspired by the stylish choices of her high school classmates, she keeps her look laid-back yet chic. As she navigates through Mardi Gras festivities, Ryan’s wardrobe is a curated collection, with a special nod to past Leading Ladies for style inspiration.
Ryan’s Leading Lady wardrobe is a reflection of elegance and tradition. Her long white gown, purchased online, underwent a transformation with the skilled hands of Regina Collins for the KOR Revel. Among her favorite looks are those of past Leading Ladies, Ann Grace Singleton and Hannah Collier, and past debutante Libba Lamberth. Family heirlooms, including her grandmother Marcia Hayes’s drop pearl pendant necklace and earrings, add a touch of timeless sophistication to her ensemble. “Libba and Hannah have been instrumental in helping me plan my dresses!”
Reflecting on what it means to carry on her family’s Mardi Gras legacy, Ryan shares, “Mardi Gras is my favorite holiday. Each year, I get to show my friends around Mobile and have a great time watching parades and seeing people I went to high school with. I love Mobile, not only just for Mardi Gras, but for making me who I am today. I am honored to play a role in the traditions this season.”
