July | August 2010

Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo
July 1-4  |  Biloxi
In its 62nd year, this competitive fishing tournament offers continuous entertainment, a display of the fish caught by contestants, and a beauty pageant. Call 228.863.2713 or visit www.mississippideepseafishing-rodeo.com.

Red, White, & Blue Parade and Fireworks Display
July 1 | Louisville
The evening starts with a parade through downtown Louisville by children ages 12 and under. Afterward, head down to Lake Tiak O’Khata to take in a spectacular fireworks show. Call 662.773.3921 or visit
www.winstoncounty.com.

Four-Day Guitar Blues Basics Workshop
July 1, 8, 15, 22 | Vicksburg
This workshop will teach the techniques and licks of classic stylists. Whether you’re trying to bring a blues sound to your playing or interested in adding more depth to your own style, this workshop is for you. Call 601.631.2997 or visit www.southernculture.org.

Celebrate America Balloon Glow
July 2 | Ridgeland
For a patriotic evening head over to Northpark Mall for great food, fun, entertainment, and fireworks. Call 601.853.2011 or visit www.ridgelandms.org.

July 2-4 | Canton
Mississippi Championship Hot Air Balloon Race
Come celebrate an exciting three-day event complete with fireworks, balloon glows, races, vendors, crafts, food, and music. Call 601.859.4358 or visit www.ballooncanton.com.

Independence Day Parade
July 2 | Tunica
Children of all ages celebrate America by decorating bikes and walking or riding through downtown Tunica. Call 662.363.6611 or visit www.tunicamainstreet.com.

Crab Festival
July 2-4 | Bay St. Louis
Feast on crab dishes, Cajun barbecue, New Orleans cuisine, and a plethora of seafood. Food, music, fun, and fireworks will create a memorable evening. Call 228.467.6509.

City of Meridian 4th of July Entertainment and Fireworks Display
July 4 | Meridian
Bring your picnic baskets and lawn chairs to Bonita Lakes and celebrate our independence with friends and family. Food vendors, a military flyover, and a phenomenal fireworks display will delight everyone. Call 601.482.8001 or visit www.meridianms.org.

Southaven’s Annual July 4th Celebration
July 4 | Southaven
For a traditional July 4th celebration complete with fun music and a spectacular fireworks show, head on over to Snowden Grove Park. Call 662.280.2489 or visit www.southaven.com.

Miss Mississippi Pageant
July 7-10 | Vicksburg
Come support a Mississippi tradition and watch talented young ladies compete for the honor of representing the Magnolia State in the Miss America Pageant. Call 601.638.6746 or visit www.missmississippipageant.org.

Slugburger Festival
July 8-10 | Corinth
Pay tribute to Corinth’s legendary slugburger and treat yourself to good food, amusement rides, and live entertainment. Call 662.287.1550 or visit www.corinth.ms.

Art Remix
July 9 | Jackson
Come enjoy an evening of premier concerts at the Mississippi Museum of Art and experience an intriguing mix of food, music, and art. Call 601.960.1515 or visit www.msmuseumart.org/art-remix.

Sawmill Festival
July 9-10 | Bruce
Bring the whole family and celebrate Bruce’s 19th annual festival on the Square. Enjoy food, entertainment, and arts and crafts for a weekend full of fun. Call 662.983.2222.

Music in the City
July 13 | Jackson
Relax after hours at the Mississippi Museum of Art and take in a free concert with Sandra Polanski, pianist. The fun starts at 5:15 p.m. Call 601.960.1515 or visit www.msmuseumart.org.

Choctaw Indian Fair
July 14-17 | Choctaw
In its 61st year, this annual festival is sure to delight the whole family. Learn about Choctaw culture and spirit while enjoying tribal arts and crafts, dances, and world championship stickball. Amusement rides, contests, and live music will only add to the fun. Call 601.652.5251 or visit www.choctawindianfair.com.

Kudzu Festival
July 15-17 | Holly Springs
For a good time the whole family will enjoy, visit Holly Spring’s three-day event for delicious barbecue, games and rides, live music, rodeo events, a 5-K run, and a Gospel Jamboree. Call 662.252.2515 or visit www.visithollysprings.com.

Blues Festival
July 16-17 | Oxford
Honor a Mississippi music tradition by attending this two-day festival dedicated to preserving, protecting, and promoting blues music and culture. Visit www.oxfordbluesfest.com.

Ice Cream Safari
July 17 | Jackson
For sixteen years, the Jackson Zoo’s annual summer event has delighted both old and young alike. Come spend a day with the animals and treat yourself to ice cream scooped by local celebrities. Call 601.352.2580 or visit
www.jacksonzoo.com.

Faulkner and Yoknapatawpha Conference
July 18-22 | Oxford
Six days devoted to honoring the works of William Faulkner offer literature enthusiasts from all over the chance to learn about this celebrated Mississippian. Call 662.915.5993 or visit www.olemiss.edu/depts/south.

July Sidewalk Sale
July 23-24 | Ocean Springs
Stroll the sidewalks of Ocean Springs and shop for deals all over town. Call 228.875.4424 or visit www.oceanspringschamber.com.

Neshoba County Fair
July 23-30 | Philadelphia
Nicknamed “Mississippi’s Giant House party,” this legendary event is the largest campground fair in the nation and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Nowhere else will you find live entertainment, dancing, folk singing, horse racing, and political speakers all in one place. Call 601.656.8480 or visit www.neshobacountyfair.org.

Watermelon Festival
July 23-24 | Mize
Mize celebrates a good Southern summer with a seed-spitting contest, greased watermelon race, and an eating contest. Enjoy this cool, summery treat with live music, arts and crafts, and an antique car show. Call 601.733.5647 or visit www.mswatermelonfestival.com.

Summer Music Series
July 24 | Hernando
Travel to the Desoto Arts Center to enjoy a community event for the whole family. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and relax under the stars for an evening of great music. Call 662.404.3361 or visit www.desotoarts.com.

Martini Shakedown
July 24 | Biloxi
Come to the Beau Rivage and shake things up, get down to some happening tunes, and enjoy this magnificent event benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Mississippi. Call 228.575.8691 or visit www.ms.wish.org.

Mississippi Miss Hospitality Pageant
July 30-31 | Hattiesburg
Forty young ladies from all over the Magnolia State compete for the title of Miss Hospitality and the chance to represent the state through the Mississippi Development Authority. Call 601.268.3220 or visit
www.misshospitality.com.

Let’s Dance
August 1 | Vicksburg
Come catch the ballroom dancing bug at the Southern Cultural Heritage Auditorium. Enjoy a ballroom exhibition and dance social, bring your lunch, and participate in this event that is sure to be great fun for the entire community. Call 601.631.2997 or visit www.southernculture.org.

Union County Fair and Livestock Show
August 1-7 | New Albany
The whole family will enjoy this annual community event that prides itself in being the “Best Little County Fair in Mississippi.” Call 662.534.1916 or visit www.unioncountyfair.com.

Yocona International Folk Festival
August 3-8 | Oxford
Go abroad for a day and experience new cultures, music, and dancing from around the world! Groups performing include the Romanian Dor Transilvan Ensemble. Call 662.238.2630 or visit www.yoconafestival.org.

Downtown Concert
August 6 | Greenwood
Venture to the heart of Greenwood to enjoy an evening concert with family and friends. Call 662.453.7625 or visit
www.mainstreetgreenwood.com.

Ralph Morgan Rodeo
August 6-7 | Lauderdale
Come see professional rodeo performances and snack on concessions! Call 601.679.8861.

Sunflower River Blues and Gospel Festival
August 6-8 | Clarksdale
Springing from “the birthplace of the blues,” this festival is sure to provide its listeners with a wonderful sense of Mississippi’s musical heritage, inspire them with locally and nationally known artists, and inform them about the state’s roots and music with seminars and lectures. Call 662.627.5301 or visit www.sunflowerfest.org.

Mississippi Wildlife Extravaganza
August 6-8 | Jackson
Kick-off hunting season with fun events for the whole family and help support the Mississippi Wildlife Federation. Call 601.206.5703.

3rd Annual Long Beach Fest
August 7 | Long Beach
Come bring the family to this kid-friendly festival to experience a charity biker run, games, arts and crafts, a salute to the military, and loads more! Call 228.234.6622 or visit www.longbeachfest.com.

Music in the City
August 10 | Jackson
This month’s free concert at the Mississippi Museum of Art will feature harpsichordist John Paul. Call 601.960.1515 or visit www.msmuseumart.org/art-remix.

Tate County Fair
August 12-14 | Senatobia
Grab the family and go to the fair for good old-fashioned fun during this three-day event! Food vendors, games, a talent contest, rides, craft booths, and exhibits are sure to keep you entertained for hours! Call 662.562.4274.

Art Remix
August 13 | Jackson
Mississippi Museum of Art continues their series of concerts. Bring your friends and enjoy a night of food, music, and art. Call 601.960.1515 or visit www.msmuseumart.org/art-remix.

Back to “Zool”
August 14 | Jackson
Treat the kids to a day at the zoo and get them excited for the school year. This day promises to be fun and educational. Call 601.352.2580 or visit www.jacksonzoo.com.

Bright Lights, Belhaven Nights
August 14 | Jackson
Experience art and music in the street for a night while celebrating the Greater Belhaven neighborhood. Walk down Carlisle Street to experience art, events for the kids, music, and much more! Call 601.352.8850 or visit
www.greaterbelhaven.com.

Sturgis South All-Bike Motorcycle Rally
August 19-22 | Sturgis
Experience live music, a bike show, games, area rides, and tours. Want to stay all weekend? Camping is available! Call 662.465.7970 or visit www. sturgismsrally.com.

Dance with the Stars
August 20 | Jackson
Support the Mississippi Opera in a night full of dinner and dancing with professional dancers, local celebrities, and The Capitol City Stage Band. Call 601.960.2300 or visit www.msopera.org.

Bodock Festival
August 20-21 | Pontotoc
Why not try a 5K run or golf tournament? Or, make something in arts and crafts, play games, eat food, and visit a petting zoo and art exhibits! Don’t forget to see the champion bodock fence-throwing contest. Call 662.488.0388.

Phenomenal People: A Celebration of Healing
August 21-29 | Coast Wide
Join the Mississippi Gulf Coast to commemorate the fifth anniversary of Katrina with a week focused on celebrating our state’s accomplishments and future. Concerts, a coastal torch relay, prayer brunch, and gala will remind you what makes Mississippi phenomenal. Call 228.435.7180 or visit www.phenomenalpeople.org.

Sounds of Summer Car & Street Party
August 28 | Byhalia
Bring the family for a fun-filled day of games for the kids, karaoke, cakewalks, live entertainment, gospel singing, and dancing! Call 662.838.8127 or visit www.gobyhalia.com.