THOUGHTS

Thoughts about art and community.

A Fairly Comprehensive List of 2024 Community Events in the Mississippi Delta(ish)

Kudzu, Mississippi’s unofficial plant since 1934.

January is for plan-making.

Feeling a touch homesick for Mississippi, I thought I’d make a list for, well, pretty much everybody: including all you fellow Mississippians, you Mississippi-appreciators, you adventurous folk always gunnin’ for a road trip, and especially for folks who’ve never been to Mississippi, but have a lot of preconceived notions about it. :)

(Also, because I‘m a painter, so you will see my paintings and photos of the Delta scattered thoughout this blog.)

Yes, small town events are great for tourism. Duh.

BUT, really and truly more importantly, these festivals provide opportunities for improving the quality of life in the local communities AND for giving folks reasons to work across the aisle, so to speak. And Lord knows we need more of that. Trust and goodwill (often) arise when you spend time with people working toward common goal, particularly when you prioritize relationship-building in the process. (Please, please prioritize relationship-building in any kind of community-committee work.)

Pinetop Perkins’ birthplace and homestead, Belzoni, Mississippi.

Without further ado, I give you:

twelve months** of reasons to explore and visit the Mississippi Delta in 2024.

All of these are open to the public, and most are free to attend. Each listing is linked to the event’s website for more information. Mark your calendar and pack that cooler - the Delta is hoppin’!

Quitman County Visitor’s Center, Marks, Mississippi.

Riverside Hotel in Clarksdale, Mississippi. According to the MS Blues Trail Marker, “Since 1944, the Riverside Hotel has provided lodging for traveling musicians. It was home to some, including Sonny Boy Williamson II, Ike Turner, and Robert Nighthawk. Before that, the building served African Americans of the Delta as the G.T. Thomas Hospital. Blues singer Bessie Smith died here in 1937 from injuries sustained in a car accident while traveling to Clarksdale for a performance.”

** Top-notch events with dates TBA:

As always - let me know in the comments what I’m missing!

P.S. As you plan your travel for the year, be sure to check out A Quick 48 Hours, my blog series chock full of weekend itineraries in the Mississippi Delta.

P.P.S. When you visit Mississippi, make sure you know the language. Read Mississippi-isms for full translation.

Tamale Shack somewhere outside of Greenville, Mississippi.