 
Pageant Brings Thousands to Vicksburg
Pageant Brings Thousands to Vicksburg
VICKSBURG, MS (June 28, 2010)- The Miss Mississippi Pageant brings thousands of fans to the city of Vicksburg to cheer on their favorite contestant to win the Miss Mississippi crown. 45 contestants will compete to represent the state at the Miss America Pageant in January.
David Blackledge, Miss Mississippi Pageant director said that the Vicksburg Convention Center will have about 2100 people on Saturday night of the pageant, 2000 on Friday night and between 1800-1900 on Wednesday and Thursday.
“Pageant week is a tremendous economic boom for the city,” Blackledge said. “People come in for 8 days from around the state to stay in our hotels, use our florists, and to shop around town especially downtown and at the Outlets.”
This year’s host hotel, La Quinta Inn & Suites, is going above and beyond to make the pageant girls feel at home. Julie Ford, sales and marketing director for MY Hospitality Services L.L.C., said that they are very excited to host the girls and feel like they are helping in the effort to promote Vicksburg in the process. Special deliveries can be made to the contestants Monday through Friday at the La Quinta Inn & Suites from 2-4 p.m.
“We have some exciting things planned for the girls that have never been done before,” said Ford. “The hotel is completely decorated for the pageant. We have each contestant’s picture on a star on her door. Once the pageant starts, each day the winners will have their stars on display in the front of the hotel.”
Ford said that the host hotel has assisted with the parents and directors including putting together tour itineraries for things to do in Vicksburg and a list of Top Ten restaurants to dine at.
“Special requests were broadcasted on facebook and we received 30 phone calls from parents and families on wanting suggestions on what to do in Vicksburg,” said Ford. “We really take advantage of what all our city has to offer to get the parents and friends out and about in the community. One family has 25 people from around the United States and we have planned their whole itinerary on things to do in Vicksburg.
“Two of our hotel properties are sold out for that week and they typically don’t sell out during this week especially with all the new hotels in our area,” said Ford. MY Hospitality Services properties in Vicksburg include the Wingate by Wyndham, Motel 6, Fairfield Inn, La Quinta, and Days Inn. “The pageant is going to be bigger than every this year.”
This year’s Miss Mississippi Pageant is held at the Vicksburg Convention Center at 8 p.m. on Saturday July 10. Preliminary pageants will be Wednesday through Friday July 7-9 also at 8 p.m. Pageant activities begin on July 3 at the Southern Cultural Heritage Center Auditorium with the Prince and Princess Crowning Dinner at 6:30 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
The Miss Mississippi Pageant Parade and autograph parties also contribute to Vicksburg’s “economic boom” during pageant week. The parade will be downtown along Washington Street on Monday July 5 at 7 p.m. An autograph party at participating downtown stores will follow and stores will stay open until 9 p.m.
“The Miss Mississippi Pageant week has a huge impact on downtown,” said Kim Hopkins, executive director of Vicksburg Main Street. “The parade attracts contestant’s family and friends along with people in our community. Relatives come from all over to support their girls in the pageant. The downtown stores order special items just for this time. Parents are able to send contestants gifts and gift baskets from different stores. Overall it is tremendous for our whole community.”
“Sales go up between gifts and people shopping in general,” said Karen Ruggles, owner of Cinnamon Tree, one of downtown’s boutique gift shops. “It gives people a reason to get out and about during the summertime. The pageant is such an asset for our city.”
The Outlets at Vicksburg will also host an autograph party from 10-11:30 a.m. on Thursday July 8 in the meeting room next to Billy’s Italian Restaurant. Select stores will open early at 9:30 a.m. so shoppers can take advantage of sales.
“It’s our busiest week of the summer,” said Paige Caldwell, Marketing & Special Events for the Outlets at Vicksburg. “We are happy to help promote the pageant and host one of the events.”
Miss Mississippi 2009 Anna Tadlock will make her last public performance outside the pageant at Vicksburg’s Fourth of July “Sparks on the River.” She will kick off Independence Day festivities at the Vicksburg Waterfront with the National Anthem at 7 p.m.. Music entertainment by Super T and fireworks on the Mississippi River will follow.
For ticket information for the Miss Mississippi Pageant call 601-638-6746 or visit http://www.missmississippipageant.com. For more information about Vicksburg and Vicksburg events call the Vicksburg Convention & Visitors Bureau at 601-636-9421 or toll free at 800-221-3536 or visit online at http://www.visitvicksburg.com.
By Laura Beth Lyons
Mississippi Press Association
Holly Springs featured in Mississippi Magazine’s “Best Of” 2010
Holly Springs featured in Mississippi Magazine's "Best Of" 2010
The July/August issue of Mississippi Magazine features the annual readers' survey of the "Best of Mississippi". The 6th annual survey features the top places for dining out, getting out and seeking out in Mississippi.
This year Holly Springs has been featured as one of the "Best Day Trips," topping Oxford and Ocean Springs. Also on the list for the first time as one of Mississippi's "Best Bed and Breakfasts" is Court Square Inn, which beat out Monmouth Plantation, a repeat winner in the category.
"We are truly excited to be listed in The Best of Mississippi once again," reported Stephanie Movre, Executive Director of the Holly Springs Tourism and Recreation Bureau. "The fact that the magazine's readers chose the winners makes the recognition that more exciting! It is a true testament to the people of Holly Springs and to the hard work that goes into making Holly Springs a desirable destination."
"Tim & Lisa Liddy with Court Square Inn should be very proud of their designation as well," said Movre. "They do a phenomenal job and have developed beautiful and comfortable accommodations. Lisa gives every guest friendly and personal service. We hear nothing but rave reviews by everyone who stays there."
In previous years (2007 & 2009) Graceland Too received top honors as "Best Off-Beat Destination."
For more information or to schedule a tour, please contact the Holly Springs Tourism Bureau at 888-687-4765 or go to http://www.visithollysprings.com.
Photo: Bedroom at Court Square Inn in Holly Springs
Picayune Main Street Evening of the Stars
PICAYUNE — Picayune Main Street Evening of the Stars Award Banquet was held to honor supporters and contributors to the Picayune Main Street Organization events to benefit the local community.
Woody Spiers, Johnny Lou Ingram, and Sami Kennedy were awarded the Historical Star Supporters award for their contributions and direction in the establishment of the program. Spiers was responsible for getting Picayune involved in the Main Street Program. His vision got the ball rolling for the community. Ingram was the first manager of Picayune Main Street, serving from 1996 through 2005. Kennedy was past president of the Downtownerʼs Association and helped ease the transition of that organization into Picayune Main Street.
The City of Picayune was the recipient of the Star Supporter award, for all of its support and cooperation throughout the years. Main Street has a four point approach that itʼs mission stays focused on: Design, Organization, Promotion and Economic Restructuring.
The four awards that were presented based on this approach are as follows — Design — This award comes in two parts. One, in the form of a Facade Grant and the 2009 grant was awarded to Henry Jaumeʼ of Farmers Market, East Canal Street. The Best Design Award went to Bill Edwards for his work on the restoration of many local historical buildings in the community. Organization — There were three recipients under this category. The Spirit of Main Street, Christmas Display, went to Norma Kleinfeld of Crystal Gallery. The Spirit of Main Street, Best Promotional Display went to June Buras of June Bugs Checkered Cupboard. Finally, the Greater Picayune Arts Council (GPAC) Volunteer of the Year award went to Mrs. Harriet Greulich, who is also a constant presence in other community organizations and endeavors. Promotion — There are several categories of awards under the promotion banner for Picayune Main Street.
The first, is the award which involves the presentation of a local historical building pictured on a Christmas ornament as a fund raiser. This year the 2010 ornament will feature the historical Pearl River County Court House. Outstanding Sales Award of the 2009 Christmas Ornament went to Melinda Shaw of Melindaʼs Fine Gifts.
The Outstanding Sales for Egg Drop Award went to Galiano Antiqueʼs owner, Debbie Galiano. The Egg Drop Volunteer or the Year Award went to Phillips Aviation, for donation of their time, fuel, and planes for the event.
The Street Fair 2009 Volunteer of the Year went to Roland Kleinfeld for his involvement, and much needed expertise, for the last 14 years.
In addition to the Four Point Awards, Picayune Main Street had a Special Recognition of the members of the Logistic Team. This is a group of men, that have never officially signed on or volunteered to do
set ups and break downs for events, but have valiantly done so since the beginning of Main Street and continue to show up to get the job done.
The Star Supporters of June Summer Blues Out 2009 were awarded to three organizations. The first went to WRJW for working continuously with Picayune Main Street on advertising through the Swap
Shop and radio. The second went to the Picayune Item for working tirelessly in assisting Picayune Main Street with publicity, advertising and working hard to make certain that Picayune Main Street
events are successful. The third went to the Boulevard Cruisers Car Club for dedication to, and support of, Picayune Main Street endeavors.
The Historical Preservation Award went to Gary Herring and Rachel Cagle for their work on the Train Museum.
The Outstanding Service Award went to Reba Beebe, Picayune Main Street Manager 2005 through 2009. Beebe assisted in helping secure the grant that led to the Downtown Revitalization Project. Beebe also started the Easter Egg Drop that has become an annual fun family event.
The Volunteer of the Year Award went to Debbie Galiano of Galiano Antiques. Galiano is in her second term as a Main Street Director and is Vice- President on the board. She chairs the June
Summer Blues Out each year, which was nominated for the top 20 Events of the South East by the Tourism Association. In addition, Galiano serves on many committees connected with Picayune Main Street.
To reserve your 2010 collectible ornament of the Pearl River County Courthouse, you can call the Picayune Main Street office and get on the list at 601-799-3070. There will be more in upcoming Lifestyles Sections on the Picayune Main Street Ornament for 2010, which is the Pearl River County Courthouse.
The Picayune Item
Photo by Kathy Smyth: Debbie Galiano presents Mary Jim Weems of the Picayune Item, a June Summer Blues Out Star Supporter of 2009 Award. WRJW and the Boulevard Cruisers Car Club also received the award.
Burchfield named MMSA Board President
Burchfield named MMSA Board President
The Mississippi Main Street Association (MMSA) recently held its annual meeting and awards luncheon in downtown Jackson. Among the agenda was the passing of the gavel to new MMSA Board President Randy Burchfield of Tupelo.
Burchfield will serve a two-year term (2010-2012), following Chuck Ueltschey of Gulfport, 2008-2010 Board President. Burchfield serves as Senior Vice President and Director of Marketing for BancorpSouth in Tupelo. Besides being active on the MMSA Board of Directors, Burchfield is past president of the local program in Tupelo, the Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association.
"Randy and the folks at BancorpSouth have been extremely supportive of our work and vision at Main Street," said Bob Wilson, MMSA Executive Director. "I look forward to working with him and our other distinguished board members as we continue our efforts in downtown revitalization in more than 70 cities and towns in Mississippi."
The 2010 MMSA Board executive officers include: President Randy Burchfield, BancorpSouth; Immediate Past President Chuck Ueltschey, Mississippi Power Company; and President-Elect and Treasurer Barry Plunkett, Entrepreneur.
The 2010 Board of Directors are Billy Wiseman, Board Member Emeritus; Leland Speed, Eastgroup/Parkway Properties; Steve Kelly, Entergy; Bill Andrews, Viking Corporation; Kay Miller, Biloxi Main Street; Hibbett Neel, Neel-Schaffer; Bill Scruggs, St. Dominic Health Services; Suzanne Smith, Renasant Bank; and Lynn Ryals, Tunica Main Street.
Permanent Board Members are H.T. Holmes, Mississippi Department of Archives and History and Jim West, College of Architecture, Art and Design at Mississippi State University. Designated Representatives to the board are Ken P'Pool, Mississippi Department of Archives and History and John Poros, The Carl Small Town Center at Mississippi State University. Ex Officio Members include Gray Swoope, Joy Foy and Alex Thomas of the Mississippi Development Authority.
The MMSA Board of Directors meets bi-monthly and also has an annual retreat. Board members serve two-year terms and are invited to all MMSA trainings, conferences and events.
Jeannie Waller
Q & A with Randy Burchfield
Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal
July 04--Randy Burchfield, the marketing director and senior vice president at BancorpSouth, is the new board president of the Mississippi Main Street Association. Burchfield has a long history of involvement with the Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association. In his new role, he will work with MMSA's executive director and staff to develop a new five-year strategic plan. He answered these questions last week from business reporter Carlie Kollath.
Q: What are the biggest challenges for Mississippi Main Street programs and communities?
A:Finding and maintaining consistent, adequate sources of funding for our programs, along with our managers dealing with limited staff support and related resources, especially in this current economic downturn. Also, I believe we can do a better job of educating the public about our scope of work and what we are accomplishing through our Main Street programs.
Q:What would be in your ideal Main Street community?
A:One with a downtown area that reflects the culture and identity of their respective community; one that helps nurture and support its downtown businesses, providing jobs and business opportunities,
while at the same time offering entertainment, shopping and culture-enriching opportunities to residents and visitors alike; a program that promotes historic rehabilitation of buildings, provides downtown living opportunities and environment-friendly spaces -- all a boom for our environment, economy and quality of life.
Q:More Main Street communities are proposing bike-friendly options. Do you own or ride a bicycle?
A:I own not one but two bikes and have every intention of getting them down from the carport rack and riding them, especially after making this promise public and with our new bike-friendly ordinance.
By Carlie Kollath, Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, Tupelo, Miss.
To see more of the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to
http://www.djournal.com.
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Viking Showroom
The establishment of Greenwood as a tourist destination came with the revitalization of Howard Street in historic Downtown Greenwood including the home of The Alluvian Hotel and The Viking Cooking School. |
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