Bluffs & Bayous { October 2011 { Page 1
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From Your Publisher . . .
I
love October—the month of fall colors, oranges, reds, golds, dark greens, browns. I love this month of seeing Halloween decorations throughout our communities, fall home décor, and festivals. Our October issue is dedicated to the region’s calendar of festivals during this first, full month of fall. We have compiled a list of events for you to peruse and use to plan a flurry of fall outings. Our feature festival story is The Great Mississippi Balloon Race, one of Natchez, Mississippi’s most popular events. During this weekend the town is bursting with folks from all over. During their college years, my children brought friends home during this festival weekend to introduce them to Natchez in one of its shining moments. Preparing meals and snacks to have on hand for all the friends and family members stopping by as well as staying has been and is always an enjoyable part of Balloon Festival for me. Just last year our daughter brought home some friends from Mississippi State for this festival, and we had a blast serving White Bean Chicken Chili (See recipe below.) and other seasonal favorites for her bunch during lunchtime on Saturday of the Balloon Festival. I have pulled an easy menu with recipes to share in case any of you have guests coming to visit during the festival season. Of course…be sure to enjoy the tantalizing festival food on location, too….this is always a treat!! Roasted Bell Pepper Dip (from Warm Welcomes, Junior League of Baton Rouge, Louisiana) 1 teaspoon olive oil 1 small red onion cut into quarters 1 (7 ounce) jar roasted red bell peppers, drained 12 fresh basil leaves, crushed or ½ teaspoon dried basil 12 ounces cream cheese, softened Bagel chips Chilled blanched fresh asparagus spears Cherry tomatoes Red, green, orange, and yellow bell pepper strips Fresh mushrooms
Divide the olive oil over the onion in a small baking dish. Bake at 400 degrees for 45 minutes or until tender. Let stand until cool. Process the onion, roasted peppers, and basil in a food processor until pureed. Add cream cheese and pulse until combined. Chill, covered, for 3 hours or longer. To serve, mound the cream cheese mixture in the center of a serving platter. Surround with bagel chips, asparagus spears, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper strips, and mushrooms. Cheryl and Mike’s Black Bean & Corn Salad 2 cans of shoe peg corn, drained 2 cans of black beans, drained 1 lime Cilantro (about ½ cup chopped) ¼ cup of chopped red onion 1 or 2 avocados, chopped 1 box of cherry tomatoes, sliced in half Salt and pepper to taste Mix all ingredients; squeeze the lime juice over the mixture; season, toss and serve. White Bean and Chicken Chili (From Giadu at Home, www.foodnetwork. com) 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 large onion, chopped 4 garlic cloves, minced 2 pounds chicken breast (The secret to good-tasting chili is to season your chicken and grill, roast, or smoke for additional flavor – Cheryl) 1 teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning 2 tablespoons ground cumin 1 tablespoon fennel seeds 1 tablespoon dried oregano 2 teaspoons chili powder 3 tablespoons flour 2 15-ounce cans cannellini or other white beans, rinsed and drained 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes Freshly ground black pepper for seasoning 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup chopped, fresh flat-leaf parsley In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the oil over mediumhigh heat. Add the onion and cook until
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translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the cooked chopped chicken, 1 teaspoon salt, cumin, fennel seeds, oregano, and chili powder. Cook, stirring constantly. Stir the flour into the chicken mixture. Add the beans, and chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up the brown bits that cling to the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Simmer for 55-60 minutes until the liquid has reduced by about half and the chili has thickened. Add the red pepper flakes and simmer for another 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Ladle the chili into serving bowls. Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Cheryl’s Seasoned French Bread 1 loaf of fresh French bread Butter Seasonings (I love the Slick Rick’s Garlic & Herb Seasoning from Slick Rick’s Foods in Natchez.) Herbs De Provence Spice Any kind of white or yellow grated cheese Split loaf in half lengthwise. Butter generously both halves of the bread. Sprinkle seasonings generously. Top with grated cheese of your choice. Heat at 375 degrees until slightly toasty, and the cheese melts. Serve with chili or favorite dish. Yum!!
C o n t r i b u t o r s
publisher Cheryl Foggo Rinehart editors Jean Nosser Biglane Cheryl Foggo Rinehart graphic designers Jan Ratcliff Anita Schilling media coordinator Adam Blackwell staff photographers Van O’Gwin Elise D. Parker Cheryl Rinehart sales staff Susan Harris Cheryl Rinehart Donna Sessions JoAnna Sproles
Adam Blackwell
Jean Biglane
Susan Harris
Van O’Gwin
Elise D. Parker
Jan Ratcliff
Cheryl Rinehart
Anita Schilling
Donna Sessions
JoAnna Sproles
Johnny Bowlin serves as pastor at Meadville Baptist Church in Meadville, Mississippi. He has had editorials published in ESPN the Magazine, The Birmingham News, and The Desoto Times. He has also written two youth devotionals entitled The Real World and Teenagers God Uses and was a contributing writer for the New Orleans Zephyrs newsletter Bleacher Creature. A graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham and of New Orleans Baptist Seminary, he is married to Melinda, and they have one daughter.
Columnist Dr. Gary R. Bachman is an assistant extension professor of horticulture at Mississippi State University’s Coastal Research and Extension Center in Biloxi, Mississippi.
Columnist Ross McGehee, a lifelong resident of Natchez, Mississippi, owns a diversified and far-flung farm operation.
Columnist Mary Emrick is the owner of Turning Pages Books & More in Natchez, Mississippi.
Jennie Guido is a graduate of Delta State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts and Master’s Degree in English Education. She currently lives in the heart of the Delta in Cleveland, Mississippi, but she still calls Natchez home.
Columnist Alma Womack lives on Smithland Plantation on Black River, south of Jonesville, Louisiana. In addition to her duties as maitresse des maison, she is the keeper of the lawn, the lane and the pecan orchard at Smithland.
Bluffs & Bayous is published monthly to promote the greater Southern area of Louisiana and Mississippi in an informative and positive manner. We welcome contributions of articles and photos; however, they will be subject to editing and availability of space and subject matter. Photographs, comments, questions, subscription requests and ad placement inquiries are invited! Return envelopes and postage must accompany all materials submitted if a return is requested. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed in Bluffs & Bayous are those of the authors or columnists and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products or services herein. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement. Bluffs & Bayous strives to insure the accuracy of our magazine’s contents. However, should inaccuracies or omissions occur, we do not assume responsibility.
office
423 Main Street, Suite 7 Natchez, MS 39120 601-442-6847 | fax 601-442-6842 info@bluffsbayous.com editor@bluffsbayous.com sales@bluffsbayous.com www.bluffsbayous.com
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October 2011 FEATURES
Haunted Vicksburg.................................................................................. 26-27 Thirty-fourth Annual Antiques Forum “Our American Heritage: Pleasures of the Past”............................ 28-29 High-flying Fun!...................................................................................... 34-37
FAVORITES All Outdoors The Museum in my Mind........................................................................ 14-15
Events October. . . Up and Coming! Premier Events......................................... 58-59 October. . . Up and Coming!................................................................... 60-75
From the Stacks A Pair of Charming Children’s Books............................................................ 8
In the Garden
High-flying Fun pages 34-37
Amending Soil for Spring Gardening......................................................... 17
Something Scrumptious Just Up Highway 61: Mississippi Grounds, Cleveland, Mississippi........ 32-33
Southern Sampler
Nice Town..................................................................................................... 44 Busy Pickin’ and Ginnin’ Times............................................................... 50-51
THE Social Scene Tables Along the River............................................................................ 10-13 Brookhaven Junior Auxiliary’s All About Me............................................. 16 Celebrity Waiter Dinner............................................................................... 22 A Surprise Birthday Feast for Margaret Searcy.......................................... 39 Lincoln County Teenage American Republicans’ Political Tour............ 42-43 Bearcats Reunion..................................................................................... 48-49 Senior Health and Information Fair............................................................ 52 Holmes Stationers Celebrates 70 Years....................................................... 53 Ella Tamor’s Fifth Birthday Party................................................................. 54 Commander Edward D. Nunnery’s Birthday Celebration.......................... 55 Brunch for Jessica Levy................................................................................. 56 Danish Family Reunion........................................................................... 77-79 Willingham’s Jewelry Trunk Show and Tea Party.................................. 80-81 Annual Lions Club Water Carnival Beauty Pageant................................... 82
Haunted Vicksburg pages 26-27
Weddings, Engagements, and Anniversaries Wroten and Coward Wedding............................................................... 18-19 Lauren Mayer Engagement Dinner............................................................. 20
on the cover Randy Houser, nationally popular country music artist and native Mississippian, is a featured performer at Natchez, Mississippi’s Great Mississippi River Balloon Race on tap for October 15 to 17. See article on pages 34-37.
34th Annual Antiques Forum “Our American Heritage: Pleasures of the Past” pages 28-29 Bluffs & Bayous { October 2011 { Page 7
From the Stacks | review by Mary Emrick
A Pair of Charming Children’s Books The Sweet Dreams Book and Garden Alphabet by Laurie Parker
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his month I bring to your attention two books by Laurie Parker, one of my favorite children’s book authors. Parker began her career as an author in 1996 and has created twelve books in the fifteen years since. Being both author and illustrator, Parker has taken an interesting path with two of her books. In The Sweet Dreams Book, published in 2009, and her most recent creation Garden Alphabet, released in July of this year, Parker has artistically placed “hidden pictures” in the
beautiful illustrations. This new aspect of Parker’s artwork has added another dimension to her books and creates a fun adventure for parents and children to share as they read the author’s text presented as lyrical poetry. The Sweet Dreams Book by Laurie Parker is the perfect bedtime book for children to enjoy with their parents. The book creates pleasing images in the minds of children as they prepare for sleep. When speaking of this book, Parker writes, “I was born loving poetry. I started writing it as soon as I learned to read and write…. So, I wanted to find a way to incorporate some of my favorite poets into this book.”
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In making this desire a reality, on each of the illustrated pages in The Sweet Dreams Book, Parker includes a quotation from poets such as Alfred, Lord Tennyson; Walt Whitman; and Kalil Gibran as well as quotations from other famous people including Leonardo da Vinci. By doing this, she has made The Sweet Dreams Book not only beautiful but also educational. When readers reach the final page of The Sweet Dreams Book, Parker directs them to go back through the book’s illustrations and discover the hidden angels. This “eye spy” feature tempts readers to return again and again to this special bedtime book. Laurie Parker’s newest children’s picture book, Garden Alphabet, is written for girls and boys and grown-ups, too. Therein, Parker incorporates her lyrical verses with each letter A to Z. Using flowers, trees, garden ornaments, garden tools, and living creatures, she fills her illustrated pages with the beauty and wonder of gardens. You and your children will learn gardening basics while enjoying the rhythmic text and intriguingly illustrated pages. Below each garden illustration Laurie provides directions in rhyme for the “hidden” items to find. For example, the E garden page states: “An EASTER EGG hunt among flowers is fun. Eight eggs are concealed here. Try finding each one!” It is NOT an easy Easter egg hunt! This picture book is also a fun way to teach letter recognition as together you count the number of As, Bs, Cs-------to Zs in each of the corresponding verses that Parker supplies. On the page dedicated to the letter P, the reader can count thirty words beginning with that letter. Garden Alphabet is an enchanting and educational stroll for the young and the old alike. Writer-Artist Laurie Parker is a talented Mississippi native who resides in her hometown, Starkville, with her cat “Wordsworth.” Other titles by Laurie Parker include Everywhere in Mississippi; All Over Alabama; Mississippi Alphabet; Louisiana Alphabet; Texas Alphabet; The Turtle Saver; It Really Said Christmas; Mad for Maroon; Tales of the Good Life; and A is for Angel.
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THE Social Scene Tables Along the River
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uring the Natchez Food and Wine Festival, taste-goers enjoyed sampling some of the finest delicacies from around the South along with unique wines and beers. The event was held on Friday evening, July 29, at the Natchez Convention Center in Natchez, Mississippi.
John Burns, Leslie Huff Jackson, and Milford Thomas
Bob Cannon, Mandy Brown and Butch Brown
Katie Grace Edgin, Cara Serio, Kate Hudson and Christine Page Hopper
Charlie and Nicole Speed and Sarah Smith
Bettina and Bob Barnes with Jay Owens
Kaye Carroll, Mollie Jones Echols and Dee Newman
Bill Herrington, Beth Holden, Jan Hawkins, and Jo Ann Herrington
Mike Blane, Ed Daley and Kevin Flowers
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THE Social Scene
David Gardner, Debbie Hudson, Braxton Hobdy and Tami Gardner
Jim and Betsy Crawford with Becky and Mark Fortenberry
Todd and Julia Noblin with Lisa and Lee Faulkenheiner
Chris Maxwell, JoAnn and Todd Waycaster, and Emily Maxwell
Amy Killelea, Chandler and LouAnn Jordan, and Melanie Downer
Key Smith, Mary Margaret Alwood, Stephen Edwards, and Tate Hobdy
Nancy Durkin, Anna Byrne, and Hannah Durkin
Lawrence Smith, Jerry Jacobson, Eric Sibley, and Carol Jones
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THE Social Scene
Tate Hobdy and Ken Price
Margaret Perkins and Dorcas Brown
Janet and Jack Aubic
David Cauthen and Patricia Lozgen
Dub Rogers and Linda Shehan
Mike and Sandra Ellard
Sherry Bartlett and John Hoggatt
Liza Jones and Caroline James
Suzan and Dennis Hogue
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Gary and Linda Golden
Peter and Dianne Burns
Mitzi and Jake Middleton
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All Outdoors | by Ross McGehee
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The Museum in My Mind
aniel’s eyes glaze over a little every time he’s trapped in the truck with Mike Piazza and me—especially if we get to talking about the “good old days.” I reckon from his perspective it’s pretty uninteresting. Why would anyone revel in the memory of some of the stuff we used to do to make a living? I suppose it’s because we can appreciate where we are now and what it took to get here! I don’t want to get all “plowed with a mule” here; but as far as we’ve come in the last fifty years, it’s hard to imagine being able to avoid our own obsolescence in the next fifty. A primitive existence to most folks today would be a single rotarydial phone in the house, black and white TV, and no air-conditioning! Fifty years ago, if you had all that along with indoor plumbing, you were doing pretty well for yourself. Farming is no different. Daniel can’t quite believe that it’s fun for us old guys to drive what is commonly referred to as “antique” machinery. Shoot, if it has power steering and a cushioned seat, it beats the heck out of what we started out with. A 1959 John Deere with no roof, no fenders, a hand clutch (What’s a clutch?), and an engine with only two cylinders is as much fun to run as some of the fancy new stuff….for a while. Then the dust blows in your face, the sweat runs down your now-
aching back, and the multiple levers and pedals start to restrict movement of your feet. If you grew up with it, you can make a day on it, but I can’t blame the younger generation from dodging it! Harvesting is another topic that tends to make young folks incredulous. After running a combine with air-conditioning, electronic sensors, and monitors, and covering a swath of thirty feet or more, they can’t believe how we used to do it. Combines were not self-propelled when we learned to run them. They were pulled behind that same tractor with no cab on it, and they produced a tremendous cloud of dust that stopped up your sinuses and blocked your vision. Ours cut a five-foot wide swath at the blistering speed of the lowest gear the tractor had. The grain was not unloaded mechanically with the push of a button; rather, it was bagged on-board by a poor soul who had not been promoted to tractor driver. He sat or stood five feet from the source of the dust! The sacks were slid onto the ground as the machine crept along; and we’d come back later, walking, and heft them by hand onto a wagon. Mike mentioned one time that if he had to go back to cultivating to stay in farming, he’d just quit instead. The younger generation has never “cultivated” and can’t
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imagine the tedium and aggravation that it involved. The advent of weed-specific chemicals has facilitated its demise. Cultivating was a mechanical means of removing most of the weeds from a crop, but you still had a mess at harvest because of the escapes. The more time you took to fine-tune the cultivator, the fewer weeds survived. Creeping down the rows with six tons of tractor, trying to stay within three inches of the crop, adjusting for side sway on a slope, and making allowances for the guy that planted crooked rows are not something you do to the background music of Widespread Panic. You can’t look back because you might veer off-center and plow up crop. But you also need to watch each section of the machine behind you to make sure nothing has loosened and is leaving weeds. Raising cattle is no different. I can still smell the unmistakable odor of hair burning at branding time. Glad we don’t do that any more! And for all the cowboy hype that you see in the movies, you’d never guess that calves weren’t roped from a horse to get their shots. Nope. Not on our place. We separated the cows from the calves, waded into the calf pen, grabbed one by the back leg, flipped him on his side, and did what was necessary. About the third time you got kicked in the shin you learned to hold on tighter. Of course, you started with the smallest calves and worked your way up to the bigger ones. At about the 300-pound level, the calves required some strategy to handle. At forty years of age, you realize that this isn’t getting any easier and that you need to figure out how you’re going to do this at age seventy-five. Whatever method that is needs to be deployed immediately so reaching seventy-five is a possibility because you can’t and won’t find anybody else crazy enough to wrestle calves now or in the future. Hauling those calves to the auction barn has made strides. Fifty years ago it was not at all uncommon for a cowman to have “sides” on his pickup truck. Imagine a small jail made of lumber or later of steel bars to contain livestock in the bed of the truck. Two horses, or one bull, two cows, or four big calves could be hauled at a time in a pickup truck. You learned to accept dents in a vehicle. Today we sell cattle in an online auction, a semi-truck is sent on
the appointed date to pick them up, and 50,000 pounds of calves are shipped out at a time. I heard last week about some guy locally that paid $75,000 for a new pickup then spent another $5000 on tires and rims. I had to laugh and wonder what he’d do if he had to haul a cow in the back! Even something as simple as putting fuel in a tractor or bulldozer has evolved, thank goodness. Nowadays, we pull a trailer of fuel into the field, start an engine, and pump 100 gallons per minute into a machine. As if running the old derelicts all day wasn’t enough, imagine lumbering back to wherever a tank was sitting and at the end of the day hand-pumping the machine full. Each stroke was about a quart of fuel. You pumped until one arm gave out then switched arms. Then switched back. Then climbed up and looked in the tank. Could not even see the fuel down there! Pump some more. And hurry up because the next man is waiting with his rig. Watching the Discovery Channel last week I was amused at an episode involving a shop that restores collectibles and antiques. Someone had brought a device in that she’d bought in a flea market. She thought it looked interesting and wanted to add it to her decor as a conversation piece. Folks walked around it for the longest time, rubbing their chins and speculating what it was and how it was used. They assigned pre-historic status to it, figured it came over on the Mayflower or some such foolishness, and set to elevating it as museum quality. It was a hand-powered corn sheller. I’ve got two. Used one last week. Kind of made me feel old. So when Daniel doesn’t seem to tune in to our ramblings about the not-so-distant (to us) past, I’ll give him some latitude. And when he picks up some dust-covered object in the shop and inquires only to find that not only do I know what it is but that I remember seeing it used in 1962, he’s allowed to just shake his head. Some day he’ll bemoan to someone else his having to ride back and forth listening to our old stories. Right now, he’s working on his own tales. I just wonder what he’ll compare today with in the future.
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THE Social Scene Brookhaven Junior Auxiliary’s All About Me
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n August 29, the Brookhaven Junior Auxiliary of Brookhaven, Mississippi, presented All About Me, an entertaining and educational session for seventh- through twelfth-grade girls at the Lincoln Civic Center. Almost 100 girls participated and listened to motivational speakers covering topics such as establishing self-esteem, goal setting, making positive decisions, and polishing manners. The evening concluded with a fashion show that featured party dresses and everyday outfits. Attendees received a complimentary book and other take-home gifts.
JA Members Valarie Oglesby, Leah Smith, Caitie Boatwright, and Natalie Ybarra
Sina White, Whitney Moak, and Andria McCaffrey
Shannon Miller, Shirley Estes, Jennifer Adcock, and Cindy Ratcliff
Natalie Ybarra, Cindy Wilson, Cheryl Rinehart, Valarie Oglesby, and Jean Ann Reeves
Cindy Wilson and Destiny Wilson
Elaina Anders and Amy Clark
Mallory Leggett, Krystal Shaw, Jessie Shaw, Jordan Shaw, Shelby Peavey, and Alex Craig
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Katherine Shell and Jaylynn Thompson
Megyn Rhoads, Haleigh Hux, Kaitlyn Rhoads, Reagan Myers, and Layna Myers
In the Garden | story and photos by Dr. Gary R. Bachman
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Amending Soil for Spring Gardening
all is the perfect time to start on your garden and landscape for next year. Amending the soil with quality, organic material is one of the best gifts you can give your garden soil. There are quite a few options for gardeners when it comes to soil amendments. In Mississippi, many gardeners use cottonseed meal as an organic source of nutrients. It has a nitrogen-phosphoruspotassium analysis of 6-2-1 and is a good source of trace nutrients. But beyond its value as a fertilizer, cottonseed meal also boosts the organic matter in garden soils. Raw or fresh cottonseed meal has a lot of green and brown plant materials and is best added to the garden after it has been composted. Vermicompost, commonly called worm castings, is another material that has created much interest. Many gardeners know that having earthworms in the garden keeps the soil aerated and loose. Earthworms are also great at breaking down organic matter and making nutrients available for plant use. Vermicompost is the product of earthworms kept in bins, where they efficiently break down organic wastes. The result can be called “black gold.” I’m an avid worm rancher and have several worm bins producing vermicompost for use in my garden and landscape. Vermicompost is so rich that you don’t add it in the same quantities as a normal composted material. Research has shown that amending garden soil with small quantities of vermicompost produces very healthy soil. Vermicompost is often marketed as a fertilizer, and it does have some limited nutrition available. Its greater value comes from intangible factors that benefit overall soil health, and having healthy soil is the first step to having a healthy garden. When you are finished with your morning cup of coffee, be sure to take those coffee grounds out to the garden. Used coffee grounds add organic matter to garden soil. Coffee grounds can also inhibit seed germination when used as topdressing. That makes used coffee
grounds a great way to control weeds in the garden. You would have to drink a lot of coffee to treat the entire garden. If you like coffee, but not in that kind of quantity, there are options. Many coffee shops will give away spent grounds as a way to recycle. In Mississippi, we have a large quantity of agricultural organic wastes, better known as manure. Manure is a good source of plant nutrients because it is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. But when used fresh, it’s considered “hot” and can harm plant roots. It also may spread harmful bacteria. The general recommendation is to use composted manure for the garden. However,
Amending the soil in the fall is key to maintaining a beautiful landscape.
you can apply fresh material directly to the garden at least 90 days before planting this will allow the manure to become stabilized and beneficial for plant growth. Fall is the perfect time to apply fresh manure in preparation for planting next spring. So regardless of the source of organic matter you choose to work with, now is the time to start. The weather’s beginning to cool is the perfect time to do something nice for your garden soil.
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Wroten and Cowart Wedding On a warm and breezy, late Saturday evening in June at Cotton Branch Plantation in Smithdale, Mississippi, a hayfield was all aglow with the sunset and smiles of guests as they arrived for the evening marriage of Haleigh Elizabeth Wroten and John Ryan Cowart. The bride is the daughter of Tim and Jeanne Wroten of Smithdale, Mississippi, and the granddaughter of Nelson and Jeanette Wroten, also of Smithdale, and James and JoAnn Fleming of Liberty, Mississippi. The groom is the son of Shelly and Jennifer Cowart and the grandson of Ed and Barbara Herring and W. H. and Dona Cowart, all of Smithdale. Family and friends enjoying music played by High Road from Nashville, Tennessee, were seated on church pews and chairs that created an isle for the bride to be escorted to her groom. A horse-drawn carriage delivered the bride to the ceremony site along with her maid of honor and cousin Shaina Badon and her flower girl and cousin Carmon Claire Coleman. The bride wore an ivory dress of lace and tulle with a sweetheart neckline and beaded sash. She wore a pearl necklace with her hair up to accent the keyhole design in the back of the dress. Complementing her gown, was her veil of tulle, lace, and pearls, made by her aunt, and red Lucchese cowboy boots. She carried a mixed bouquet of sunflowers, red roses, purple statis, rosemary for remembrance, and asparagus fern, the stems of which were enfolded in her great-grandmother’s handkerchief and accented with her great-great-grandmother’s brooch. The maid of honor wore a sleeveless, knee-length dress of red, brushed-silk with ruffles at its V-neck, and she carried a bouquet of yellow gerbera daisies with the stems wrapped in burlap. The flower girl, carrying a basket of rose petals that she dispersed along the aisle, wore a white silk dress, which the bride had worn as a girl for the wedding of her Page 18 { October 2011 { Bluffs & Bayous
uncle. For this event, a red sash was added to match the dress of the maid of honor. Both attendants wore cowboy boots. The groom, was dressed in khaki slacks, a white shirt, cream paisley tie, and brown jacket. He wore a brown Resistol cowboy hat and cream and brown cowboy boots. In his pocket, he carried his maternal greatgrandmother’s wedding band and paternal great-grandmother’s handkerchief. His boutonnière was a yellow rose with asparagus fern and hypericum berries. Serving as best men were Shelly Cowart, father of the groom, and Ed Herring, grandfather of the groom. Groomsmen were Graham Cowart, Ben Cowart, and Sam Cowart, all brothers of the groom, and Chance Wroten, brother of the bride. They wore khaki slacks, white shirts, red paisley vests, and ties. Reverend Marvin Howard and the groom stood before a beautiful arch decorated with sunflowers and ivy to await the bride. A unity candle table was placed to the side for use during the wedding ceremony, an event of beauty and reverence, accented with a little light humor. Flowers for the wedding were arranged by Scott Talbert, cousin of the bride, and the wedding was directed by Ellen Jones of Liberty, Mississippi. Following the ceremony, a reception was held around the pool area of the home of Barbara and Ed Herring at Cotton Branch Plantation. Ghost Town from Brookhaven, Mississippi, played for this gathering, and Karen Stockman catered the event. The bride’s cake of square, multi-flavored layers was iced in white, accented with red paisleys, and topped with a pewter tractor. The groom’s cake was a sheet cake with round hay bales. A replica of his John Deere tractor and baler
were placed by the cake. Both cakes were made by Kay Polland of Sweet Delights Bakery. After staying at the reception until the wee hours to enjoy their friends and family, the couple left on a 7810 John Deere tractor; and the next day, they departed for their honeymoon in Orange Beach, Alabama. Currently, they are at home in Hattiesburg as they continue
their studies at the University of Southern Mississippi.
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Weddings t Engagements t Weddings t Engagements Lauren Mayer Engagement Dinner
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n celebration of the upcoming marriage of Lauren Mayer of Mandevilla, Louisiana, a dinner was given in her honor at the Caboose Restaurant in the historic Depot District of McComb, Mississippi. The July 22 fete was hosted by her aunts and cousins. With everyone living in different states, it was a most enjoyable time for visiting. Lauren will be the December bride of Coach Eddie Brescher of Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi, and a native of Ponchatoula, Louisiana.
Laken Rawls, Dusti Rawls, Lauren Mayer, and Mary Elizabeth Dulaney
Christy Dulaney, Lauren Mayer, and Judith Kelly
Mary Clark, Rose Mayer, Geraldie Rawls, and Lauren Mayer
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THE Social Scene
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Celebrity Waiter Dinner
meristar Casino in Vicksburg, Mississippi, hosted a Celebrity Waiter Dinner at its Bourbon’s Restaurant on August 30, benefiting the American Cancer Society. The event raised over $17,000 and featured 15 Celebrity Waiters from Vicksburg, including Representative George Flaggs, who came in first place on tips raised, and Fred Farrell, who came in second place on tips raised.
Jeb Blackburn serving wine to Rob Sadler
Larry Gawronski, Fred Farrell, and George Stadler
Representative George Flaggs
Linda Fondren, Don Jarret, Christi Kilroy (standing), Jim Fondren, Kimball Goodlow, Christina Goodlow, and Linnie Wheeless
Ali Hopson and Lori Burke
Bryan Pratt, Wayne McMaster, Carol Stadler, Mary Nell McMaster, and Jo Pratt
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Haunted Vicksburg “Since the turn of the 19th century, Vicksburg has been listed as one of America’s most haunted places. Trapped souls lurk everywhere. Victims of plague, war & massacre haunt every inch of the city. They lie buried beneath the ground we walk.”—Haunted Vicksburg Website
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elieve in ghosts? Paranormal activity? Haunted places? Then come to Vicksburg and learn about history and paranormal sightings and meet Morgan Gates, owner of Haunted Vicksburg Ghost Tours in Vicksburg, Mississippi. A Vicksburg native born on Halloween, Gates explained how he became interested in this unique arena of the city’s history: “About 5 years ago, I became a licensed guide at the Vicksburg National Military Park, and I began studying the History of Vicksburg in depth. Until that point in my life I had not realized what a pivotal role Vicksburg had played in the history of our nation. As I was drawn deeper and deeper into the history of this area, I discovered that it had a long, dark history both before and after the war. The Native American inhabitants had strange beliefs and burial customs; massacres, duels, and murders were common. Death and disease were rampant; the river was a dark, mysterious, and often-malevolent force in the life of this community. Quiet little Vicksburg was on the raw edge of the frontier at first; later it was a
Collaboration by Susan Harris and Cheryl Rinehart Page 26 { October 2011 { Bluffs & Bayous
boomtown rivaling any gold camp; later still it became a place of wealth and beauty that lasted into the early twentieth century.” A couple of years ago, Gates began to realize the popularity of ghost tours in other parts of the country and became interested in the possibility of Vicksburg’s stepping into this venture. Recalling his visit to the National Military Park in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, he explained, “While there I took a ghost tour, and it set me to thinking—if this small community, whose sole claim to fame was three horrible days in July of 1863, was haunted, surely Vicksburg with it rich layers of historical significance was even more so. When I returned I began my research; I discovered that Vicksburg, indeed, had a treasure trove of haunted history and paranormal activity. People have gotten photos of strange manifestations; people have been touched, heard voices, smelled phantom odors, and even seen spirits on the tour.” In March 2010, Haunted Vicksburg Ghost Tours was born; and according to Gates, “People have been coming to Vicksburg from all over the country and all over the world (Australia, England, the Netherlands) to take our tour. I have been pleasantly surprised to discover that in many cases they come specifically to take our tour.” With Haunted Vicksburg Ghost Tours in business for over 18 months, what started out as an intimate walking tour has now expanded to a 12-block walking tour as well as a driving tour in a white hearse. Both tours last approximately 90 minutes. Cameras and strollers are always welcome, and the expanded walking tour, which is 99% handicap accessible, continues to be an attraction for people of all ages. On the tour company’s Facebook page are testimonials and photos from fans of the paranormal who have uploaded their findings. Be sure to view the various images taken by tour travelers and other local enthusiasts. In any given week, depending on the time of year and the weather, there may be as many as 50 to 120 spectators taking the tour. Reservations are required and can be made in advance via telephone or online. Sites listed on the Haunted Vicksburg Ghost Tours include The McNutt House, The Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation, Old Courthouse Museum, Riverfront, Cedar Grove, and Belle of the Bends, and additional sites are slated to be added to both the walking and driving tours. Weather permitting, tours are available year round with spring and fall being the busiest times. The driving tour runs year round regardless of weather, and rain checks are offered if a tour is cancelled. Tours are offered twice on weekends during October and begin at 7:00 p.m. Hosts at the tour stops will be in costume and hold many surprises for those brave souls that dare to visit. All size groups can be accommodated, and all age groups are welcome. Get “in the spirit”! Take that “ghost of a chance” for a chance encounter! Come see for yourself “what visitors & residents witness daily,” claims the website, during Haunted Vicksburg Ghost Tours. You Choose consignment shop, 1300 Washington Street, sells tickets for the tours, but tickets can be purchased on site as well online for a $2.00 discount. For additional information, call 601-618-6031 or visit www.hauntedvicksburg.com; for tickets visit www.hauntedvicksburg.com/ourtours.htm. MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ARE ACCEPTED ON PAYPAL. Bluffs & Bayous { October 2011 { Page 27
Thirty-fourth Annual Antiques Forum:
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“OUR AMERICAN HERITAGE: PLEASURES OF THE PAST”
he Pilgrimage Garden Club announces the Thirty-fourth Annual Antiques Forum, “Our American Heritage: Pleasures of the Past,” that will run October 19 to 22 in historic Natchez, Mississippi. Registration and lodging are located at The Natchez Grand Hotel while the Natchez Convention Center across the street will host the lecture series. Historic mansions throughout Natchez will provide gracious backdrops for a bevy of social events and gatherings. This year’s premier antiques-and-art history event includes scholarly lectures by renowned experts such as Wendell Garrett,
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who has again contributed his expertise in developing this year’s forum. Other presenters include Charles F. Hummel, Angela Mack, Carol Cadou, Mimi Miller, and Michael Brown. Editor at large for The Magazine Antiques and renowned American historian in decorative arts and furniture, Wendell Garrett touted the event as “one of the best and longest continual forums of its kind in America. Antiques Forums like this not only serve to educate but also allow one to meet other collectors, reputable dealers, and designers. They also provide a great way for interior designers to earn continuing education credits.”
A significant part of the forum’s decades of success is the cultural richness and splendid hospitality of it setting in Natchez. “What is so amazing about Natchez,” Garrett stated, “is the outstanding quality and vast number of antebellum estates in such a concentrated area. Fine furniture, chandeliers, and silver were all made to order and shipped to Natchez. This helped develop our American craftsmen.” The Pilgrimage Garden Club’s Thirty-fourth Annual Antiques Forum strives to educate and inspire collectors and preservationists by creating a congenial atmosphere for sharing ideas and knowledge for everyone from professional historians to novice collectors and history buffs. In addition to a series of lectures at the Natchez Convention Center, events include a reception at the National Historic Landmark Stanton Hall, a tour of three antebellum mansions, and shopping on historic Antiques Row. Proceeds from the forum benefit antebellum Longwood, a National Historic Landmark and the largest octagonal house in America. “Longwood is the Eiffel Tower of Mississippi,” said Susan Graning, co-chair of the event. “Not only is it an architectural wonder, but it also gives visitors a tangible picture of what was here before the War Between the States and demonstrates how suddenly life changed.”
Above— Antiques Forum committee during a planning session Left—Officials with the 2011 Antiques Forum include, seated in front, 2011 Co-chairs Susan Graning and Melanie Downer with 2012 Chair Wanda Smith, and standing, Eugenie Cates, Jeanette Feltus, Mimi Bornum, and Carrie Lambert.
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The Antiques Forum is sponsored by the Pilgrimage Historical Association with assistance of the members of the Pilgrimage Garden Club. It is approved by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) for continuing education credit. Ticket price is $275.00 per person for all events. Some events are available separately; for a full price list, contact the registrar at antiquesforum@bellsouth.net. This year a special event has been arranged for guests who register early. For an additional $25, early-registered guests will have the opportunity to attend an
elegant dinner with musical entertainment at historic Lansdowne, an outstanding home on tour since 1933, and the site of many famous dinner parties for both local and international guests. For a brochure or more information, email antiquesforum@ bellsouth.net or visit www.natchezantiquesforum.org. To make reservations, contact Forum Registrar Jan Scarborough at 601-445-7479.
Antiques Forum Itinerary Wednesday, October 19 1:30-5:30 p.m. Early Registration Lobby Natchez Grand Hotel Merchant discounts, complimentary historic home tours, and exclusive event opportunities 6:30 p.m. Dinner at Lansdowne Lansdowne $25.00 includes cocktails, dinner, and tour Thursday, October 20 10:00 a.m. Complimentary Milk Punch Tour Linden For Wednesday 1:30-5:30 p.m. 7:00-9:00 p.m.
arrivals Registration Lobby Natchez Grand Hotel Cocktail Reception Stanton Hall
Friday, October 21 9:00 a.m. Welcome 2011 Forum Participants Natchez Convention Center – St. Louis Room Marsha Colson, Pilgrimage Garden Club President Jeanette Feltus, PGC Advisory Board Chairperson Melanie Downer and Susan Graning, 2011 Forum Chairpersons 9:15 a.m. “The Golden Age: Personalities and Places” Wendell Garrett, Editor-at-Large, The Magazine Antiques 10:15 a.m. Coffee and Book Store Visit Natchez Convention Center Upstairs Hall Page 30 { October 2011 { Bluffs & Bayous
11:15 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:15 p.m. 5:00 p.m.
“Furniture for a Conservative Clientele: New Discoveries” Charles F Hummel, Curator Emeritus, Winterthur, Adjunct Professor Southern Fare Lunch at the Carriage House Restaurant “Between Vanity and Fashion: The Arts in Eighteenth Century Charleston” Angela Mack, Executive Director of the Gibbes Museum of Art Mini Break and Book Store Visit “American Treasures” Michael K. Brown, Curator, The Bayou Bend Collection Antiques Row Extravaganza Antiques Row, Franklin Street Antiques Row participants are invited to enjoy an evening of shopping, heavy hors d’oeuvres, music, and dancing, compliments of our local antiques merchants. Please join us for this fun-filled event!
Saturday, October 22 9:00 a.m.. “The Celebrated Seat of General Washington” Carol B. Cadou, Senior Curator, Vice President for Collections Mount Vernon 10:00 a.m. “In Search of Home: Two Centuries of Natchez Architectural Pleasures” Mimi Miller, Executive Director, Natchez Historic Foundation 11:00-11:15 a.m. Concluding Remarks 11:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Chairpersons’ Farewell Tour with Refreshments Hope Farm, Longwood
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Something Scrumptious | story and photos by Jennie Guido
Just Up Highway 61
Mississippi Grounds
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here is nothing I love more than a crisp and cool Saturday in October. Growing up in Natchez, Mississippi, I spent those Saturdays either at Cathedral School’s annual Fall Festival or The Great Mississippi River Balloon Race. Now, my crisp October mornings are spent in the Delta on my front porch or at Cleveland’s annual Octoberfest and usually are accompanied by a cup of good coffee. Thankfully, to fuel these brisk days, Cleveland has a brand new coffee shop located in the heart of downtown – Mississippi Grounds. Owned and operated by Daye Warrington and Tracy Portner, Mississippi Grounds opened at the beginning of this year, bright and early one January morning. Since the location of the coffee shop had once been
Basil Sylvester and rice salad
Cleveland, Mississippi home to another local favorite a few years before, the neighborhood and community had come to miss having a place to stop in for a quick cup of coffee or for a lazy afternoon with friends or a good book. To fill this gap, Portner said that the two of them just decided one day, “Let’s start a coffee shop,” and the process began. Both explained that their venture has been a learning experience: “We had to have someone come in and train us when it came to making all the different coffee drinks.” However, from my experience with their creations, these two quickly mastered barista artistry. Warrington made me one delicious Mocha Latte as soon as we sat down, and I enjoyed every last sip! Some of the local favorites are the Vanilla Chai and any of the specialty drinks Mississippi Grounds features daily. Portner explained that they are working to offer a few low-calorie options as well
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in order to cater to today’s growing number of health-conscious coffee drinkers. “Our sugar free syrups are some of the best out there,” she said. “They don’t leave that after taste you tend to get with some of the others.” For clients wanting to get their daily caffeine fix and make healthy choices at the same time, these sugar-free and lowfat options are ideal. One of my favorite parts about Mississippi Grounds is the lunch menu. Of course, the chicken salad has quickly joined my top three favorites with its blend of sun-dried cranberries to change up a tried-and-true favorite. Preferred by many locals is the soup of the day. According to Warrington, “Whether is it hot or cold outside, people constantly order our soup. It’s definitely a favorite.” However, my personal favorite on the menu is the Basil Sylvester. This smoked turkey sandwich is loaded with bacon,
Top—seating Middle—entrance Bottom—sweets
provolone cheese, spinach, and a fabulous pesto mayonnaise for a little something different. When I order this sandwich, I love to get a side of the always interesting and unique rice salad featured on the menu. I can never quite put my finger on it, but there is something really enticing about this side dish. Whether it’s the artichoke hearts or the long grain rice, I crave this salad on a weekly basis. Of all the lunch places and coffee stops in Cleveland, The Grounds has one of the best atmospheres--a definite best friend to many living in the Delta. When you walk in the front door, you never feel the hustle and bustle of caffeinedriven customers. Instead, you are greeted with the vivifying aroma of roasting coffee beans and serene surroundings conducive to each individual’s needs whether it’s the top-notch productivity of those in the corners working furiously on their laptops or someone curled up with the latest bestseller on the shelves. Portner explained, “Individuals never feel left out when coming here by themselves. It’s not strange to see someone come in alone and stay for hours.” While The Grounds may be a nice quiet corner for some, it is a wonderful place to sit down and catch up with old friends. The comfortable seating available throughout the store is ideal for hours of sipping coffee and sharing the latest “news.” Also, local gardeners set up a farmers’ market every Wednesday afternoon to vend their fresh vegetables and home-made preserves. “It’s definitely a place for the community,” Portner and Warrington concurred. “We didn’t start this for us. We started it for Cleveland.” I suggest you find your way up Highway 61 very soon and stop by Mississippi Grounds. Be sure to make time to stay for lunch and order the Basil Sylvester and Rice Salad—but a must is a fabulous cup of coffee to make your day just right. The Cotton Boll (16 ounces) 1 ounce white chocolate sauce 1 ounce caramel sauce 2 ounces espresso 12 ounces steamed milk Mix white chocolate and caramel sauces in a 16-ounce cup. Add espresso and stir. Fill cup with steamed milk and top with foam.
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Photo by Sam Jones
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he Great Mississippi River Balloon Race in Natchez, Mississippi, provides an exciting outdoors, eventfilled weekend for thousands in the Miss-Lou area and for the hundreds who fly in and drive in from points far and wide! The two stunning balloon flights that lift off each day, weather permitting, combined with a festival site offering national and regional musical artists and phenomenal fare with tantalizing aromas to drive your appetite crazy, this event is sure to bring out the entire family and all your friends to enjoy fall at its best. The setting, too, is nothing short of spectacular. Situated adjacent to the newly landscaped and lush bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, the festival site spreads throughout the Rosalie Bicentennial Gardens on Broadway Street. Balloons lifting off and floating across from the Mississippi heights to the Louisiana lowlands create vibrant strokes against the rolling river and brilliant blue-sky canvas. This year’s musical headliners include Tonic, the Cosimo Effect, The Last Waltz Ensemble, Guitar Shorty, Mark Adam Miller, Ingram Hill, Honey Island Swamp Band, and Missippi Roots (Yes, that’s how they spell it!), and the event closes with Randy Houser, national popular country music artist and a native Mississippian. (cover image). Friday evening’s entertainment opens with The Cosimo Effect, following the Balloon Glow that runs from 8:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. The Cosimo Effect is a group of seasoned New Orleans veterans that have served as sidemen for many of New Orleans’ founding fathers and mothers of Rhythm and Blues. Named in honor of the legendary producer and engineer Cosimo Matassa, the Cosimo Effect consists of band leader, guitarist, and vocalist Brint Anderson, a Natchez native; Jimmy Messa, bass and vocals; Mike Lemmier, keyboards; and Terrence Houston, drums.
Photo by Sam Jones
High-flying Fun!
New Orleans Blues artist Brint Anderson has, for over 30 years, backed legends such as Dr. John; Art Neville; George Porter, Jr.; John Lee Hooker; and Albert King. His CD releases reflect his knowledge and understanding of this original American art form from his debut of Elmore James classics in Homage to Elmore, to his second solo project of Funky/Rockin’ Blues in I Knew This Would Happen, and now to Notes From Clarksdale wherein he captures the spirit of raw, acoustic Delta Blues. All these compositions feature his signature slide guitar work, passionate vocals, and distinctive lyrics. Saturday’s entertainment commences at noon with Missippi Roots. A Blues, Rock and Southern Rock band from Natchez, this local group consists of Travis McCready, vocal, harmonica, and guitar, with John McCready on bass and Daniel Scott on drums and percussion. Honey Island Swamp Band takes the stage at 1:45 p.m. This New Orleans, Louisiana, based band features Aaron Wilkinson on mandolin, guitar, harmonica and vocals; Chris Mule, guitar and vocals; Sam Price, bass and vocals; Garland Paul, drums and vocals; and Trevor Brooks, keyboards. The band came together after Aaron Wilkinson (acoustic guitar, mandolin, vocals) and Chris Mulé (electric guitar, vocals) were marooned in San Francisco after the levee breaches following Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans. They had a chance encounter with fellow New Orleans evacuee Sam Price (base, vocals) and all worked together in New Orleans-based bands for years, but with no prospects of getting home soon Consequently, they created their own repertoire of songs, landed a gig in San Francisco’s Boom Boom Room, and settled into the West Coast sharing their southern culture. Several recordings later, they returned to NOLA in 2007 and have been together since, touring and recording more albums. Their music has been described as Bayou Americana derived from a variety of influences in the world of root music. Guitar Shorty performs during the afternoon balloon flight beginning at 3:30 pm. Credited with influencing both Jim Hendrix and Buddy Guy, Guitar Shorty has been wooing audiences for decades. He has performed with Blues and Rhythm and Blues luminaries such as Ray Charles, Same Cooke, B. B. King, Guitar Slim, and T-Bone Walker. At 5:00 pm The Last Waltz Ensemble, based in Atlanta, Georgia, is billed as
Above—Tonic Left—Mark Adam Miller Below—Ingram Hill
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Photo by Sam Jones
Cosimo Effect
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the group that progressively plays the music of Bob Dylan and The Band. The Ensemble is known for incorporating special guest performances by friends from regional and national acts. Beginning at 7:30 p.m. Ingram Hill, who has toured with such bands as Hootie and the Blowfish, Johnny Lang, Maroon 5, Custer, and Better Than Ezra, will entertain the crowd with two of its Billboard 25-charting Hot AC radio hits, “Will I Ever Make It Home?” and “Almost Perfect.” The 2011 festival headliner Tonic will finish off the day’s entertainment, beginning at 9:30 pm. With six Top-10 singles, over four million records sold, Grammy nominations, platinum albums, numerous awards, and hit songs around the world, Tonic is a must-see band at this year’s festival. Tonic will be playing a collection of twelve new songs, some of which the crowd will hear on Saturday night. Sunday’s activities open with a 7:00 a.m. balloon flight, and the festival site opens at noon. Musical entertainment will begin at 1:00 p.m. with The Concordia Parish Talented Music Program, followed by a 2:45 p.m. music act by Mark Adam Miller. Born and bred in the swamps of Louisiana, Miller is the Country Rockin’ Cajun through and through. Over the past three years, he has been regularly co-writing with such top artists as Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, George Strait, Garth Brooks, Randy Travis, Montgomery Gentry, Toby Keith, and Trisha Yearwood. By 4:00 p.m., the skies again will fill with hot-air balloons as the weekend’s final flight gets underway. Sunday headliner Randy Houser will top off the day’s music performances. A Lake, Mississippi, native, Houser is blessed with one of his generation’s great voices. He is a world-class songwriter, penning hits for artists including Trace Adkins and Justin Moore. His straightforward, no-holds-barred sound reflects his belief that “people are ready for real country music again.” Houser made his 2009 album debut with Anything Goes, which rose to the Top 20 over a short period. He followed it with one of the rowdiest songs and coolest videos of recent years—Boots On—which rocketed to number two on the charts. Since his earliest days in Lake, Mississippi, Houser has been making music his own way. He was exposed to the best of the region’s rich mix of Country, Gospel, Rock, and Blues and learned to love creating and playing music from his father, a professional musician. “The funny thing is I’ve known this is what I wanted to do since I was five or six years old,” said Houser. “I wanted to be an entertainer, a songwriter. I didn’t know at that age I was going to have a talent for it. I didn’t know about chasing girls or good times. It was pure and simple about something I really loved, which is music.”
New to the Balloon Race this year is the Great River Chevrolet-GMC Key Grab. During the Saturday afternoon balloon flight there will be a 50-foot pole erected on the fairgrounds. A key will be placed on the top of the pole, and any hot-air-balloon pilot who can get close enough to grab the key wins a brand new truck from Great River Chevrolet-GMC! No need to miss your favorite college games on Saturday. A Sports Bar Tent will be erected on the festival grounds with plenty of televisions to be sure you see each play, each re-play, and each playby-play recap; and on Sunday watch your favorite NFL team…in this part of the country that’s the New Orleans Saints!
Lift Off . . . . . < Unloading the gondola . . . . . .
moving the gondola into place . . . . . . >
< attaching the burner to the gondola . . . . . .
Tickets and logo items can be bought on the festival grounds or in advance at the Historic Natchez Foundation, 108 South Commerce Street, 601-442-2500 or the Natchez Visitor Reception Center, 640 South Canal Street. Purchase a T-shirt or sweatshirt for yourself prior to or during the festival, and pick up several extras— They make perfect Christmas gifts! This year’s design is by artist William Smith, a Natchez native, who now resides in New Orleans, Louisiana. Join us in Natchez during this increasingly popular weekend of balloon races, Balloon Glow, regional foods, fireworks, festival booths and rides, and musical entertainment. Come be a balloonatic! For additional weekend and ticket information, check out The Great Mississippi River Balloon Race website at www. natchezballoonrace.com and the event’s page on Facebook for the full weekend schedule and any updates or postings; or call 800-647-6724 or 601-446-6345.
filling the envelope with cold air from the inflater fan. . . . . . > < blowing hot air into the mouth of the envelope . . . . . .
and flying high!! >
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THE Social Scene A Surprise Bon Voyage Feast for Margaret Searcy
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riends and family gathered at the home of hostess and professional caterer Sissy Edit in Natchez, Mississippi, to surprise Margaret Searcy with a bon voyage celebration. Eidt selected foods to reflect Searcy’s August trip to Rome, Italy, and Madrid, Spain, as a chaperone with the St. Mary Basilica Catholic Youth Organization for World Youth Day. Floral arrangements for the event represented the countries’ flowers, foods, and other unique artifacts; and guests enjoyed drinks, appetizers, and a buffet supper during the celebration.
Marla Farmer, Maggie Smith, Madison Farmer, and Rachel Garber
Maggie Smith, Madison Farmer, Marla Farmer, Margaret Searcy, and Rachel Garber
Standing—Myra Murray, Helen Flowers, Julie Riley, and Joann Hicks; seated—Mary Ann Foggo-Eidt and Jo Ella Finley
Sissy Eidt shares the following recipes from this event’s menu with Bluffs & Bayous readers: Paella Salad 1 7-ounce package yellow rice, cooked 2 tablespoons tarragon vinegar 1/3 cup olive oil 1/8 teaspoon dry mustard 5 tablespoons mayonnaise 2 cups diced, cooked chicken 1 cup shelled, cooked shrimp 1 cup grape tomatoes 1 green pepper chopped 1/2 cup sliced green onion 1/3 cup chopped celery 1 tablespoon chopped pimiento 1 teaspoon salt Mix rice, vinegar, oil, salt, mustard, and mayonnaise. Cool to room temperature. Add remaining ingredients. Toss and chill. May be prepared the night before. Serves 6-8
Biscuit Tortoni 1/2 cup toasted almonds 16 ounces sweetened, whipped cream (Whip the cream; add ¼-½ cup sugar.) 2 cups crumbled coconut macaroons 2 to 3 tablespoon Amaretto Liqueur 1 teaspoon almond extract Candied cherries After preparing the sweetened, whipped cream, mix all ingredients well except the cherries and almonds; divide among freezable cups and top each cup with almonds and a cherry.
Joann Hicks and Patsy Collins
Happy Eating! ~ Sissy Margaret Searcy and Sissy Eidt
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THE Social Scene Lincoln County Teenage American Republicans’ Political Tour
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he Lincoln County Teenage American Republicans (TARS) appeared, volunteered, and traveled in recent months to many events around central and south Mississippi. The group is supervised by Cindy Moore and involves students from many schools in seventh through twelfth grades and into college.
First row—Anna Gardner and Dana Sartin; second row—Rachel Gardner, Amy Wallace, Leslie Davis, Carlianne Alderman, and Chelsey Buie; third row—Brennan Laird, Brian Laird, Austin Smith, Sam Mooney, John Mooney, and Trey Swaney; fourth row—Sam Ratcliff
Front row—Auditor Stacey Pickering, Lyndy Berryhill, Rachel Gardner, Lizzie Mooney, Anna Gardner, Hannah Oliva, Mabry Dye, Betsy Berryhill, Cindy Moore; middle row—Brett Howard, Austin Smith, Trey Swaney, John Merritt Howard, John Mooney; back row—Hunter Foster, Sam Mooney, Brennan Laird, and Jacob Harthcock
Front—Betsy Berryhill, Anna Gardner, Hannah Monroe, Mississippi Treasurer Tate Reeves, Lyndy Berryhill, Rachel Gardner and Brian Laird; back—Brennan Laird, Austin Smith, and Trey Swaney
Front—Anna Gardner, Katherine Shell, Carlye Waldon; back—Amy Wallace, and Jamie Sproles
Brian Laird, Brennan Laird, Sam Mooney, Austin Smith, Congressman Gregg Harper, Brett Howard, Dudley Lampton, and Ansley Braden
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Austin Smith, Trey Swaney, Brian Laird and Chelsey Buie
THE Social Scene
Brett Howard, Hannah Monroe, Lyndy Berryhill, Lincoln County Chancery Clerk Tillmon Bishop, Rachel Gardner, Carlianne Alderman, Lizzie Mooney, Anna Gardner, Ansley Braden, Meredith Allen, and Zach Cannon
Front—Lizzie Mooney, Anna Gardner, Audriana Bozeman, Sara Terrell, Susanna Ratcliff, Rachel Gardner,and Carlianne Alderman; back—Trey Swaney, Sam Mooney, Brett Howard, Austin Smith, and Cindy Moore
Front—Lizzie Mooney, Carlianne Alderman, Susanna Ratcliff, and Anna Gardner; back—Brian Laird, Trey Swaney, Lt. Governor Phil Bryant, Austin Smith, and Brennan Laird
Warren Ashmore, Ansley Braden, Governor Haley Barbour, Meg Williams, and Austin Smith
Carlianne Alderman, Abbie Newell, Chelsey Buie, and Ansley Braden
Sam Mooney, Cindy Moore, Zach Cannon, Trey Swaney, Rachel Gardner, Cory Alderman, Ansley Braden, Brett Howard, Meredith Allen, Lyndy Berryhill, Carlianne Alderman, Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann, Anna Gardner, Hannah Monroe, Lizzie Mooney, Brennan Laird, Brian Laird, John Mooney, and Austin Burns
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Photo by Sherylyn Evans
Southern Sampler | by Johnny Bowlin
Nice Town Nice town, y’know what I mean? —Thornton Wilder
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igh School football is a big deal where I live. The buzz begins during the week around the kitchen table, in the pews on Wednesday nights, and around the lunch table in Bude, Mississippi. Who we got this week? Is the game here? Aren’t they supposed to be pretty good? I heard they got a kid that State is looking at. High School football is a big deal around here. Where I grew up, it was….but it wasn’t. The football games usually were attended only by parents of cheerleaders, flag corps, band members, and football players and some of the students. The townsfolk didn’t really go just to go. I guess they had other things to do besides sit on hard bleachers in hot weather. South Mississippi, though, is different. Football here is a passion of the community and not just those somehow directly connected…and…. It is wearing school colors on Friday even though graduation may have passed years ago. It is about tradition. It is wondering when the school will sell a new shirt or sweatshirt to update your game gear. It is the road trips to other small towns whose fans have the same pride that your town does. It is fellowshipping around the table on the road trip with a palpable excitement as
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you wait on game time. It is sitting with the same folks you always sit with who become your football family. It is eating stuff you shouldn’t from the concession stand. It is the good luck lollipops for help in the fourth quarter. It is shoe polish on the car windows or a school’s car flag popping in the breeze. It is the lump in your throat during the invocation and national anthem. It is about for 10 Friday nights your town being the center of the world. On those ten Friday nights, Meadville, Magnolia, and Monticello mean just as much as Madison, Hattiesburg, and Batesville. Thornton Wilder in the first act of his famous play Our Town about the small fictional settlement of Grovers Corners, New Hampshire, wrote, “Nice town, y’know what I mean? Nobody very remarkable ever come out of it, s’far as we know.” High School football around here, though, is one way we get to see very remarkable young people not just on the field playing and cheering and marching but chanting from the stands as well. And we see the hard work, sacrifice, and pride inherent in these young people. Perhaps they remind us of our younger days in their places and make us proud that they are wearing those same colors we cherish. Yeah, High School football is a big deal here.
On the River k On the River k On the River k On the River
Natchez k vidalia k Ferriday k Natchez k vidalia k Ferriday k Bluffs & Bayous { October 2011 { Page 45
On the River k On the River k On the River k On the River
Natchez k vidalia k Ferriday k Natchez k vidalia k Ferriday k Page 46 { October 2011 { Bluffs & Bayous
On the River k On the River k On the River k On the River
Natchez k vidalia k Ferriday k Natchez k vidalia k Ferriday k Bluffs & Bayous { October 2011 { Page 47
THE Social Scene Bearcats Reunion
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earcats from the South Pike High School classes of 1965, 1966, and 1967 met over the weekend of August 19 and 20 in Magnolia, Mississippi, to celebrate their forty-five-year-plus reunion. Friday night, classmates and spouses met for dinner at La Mariposa before heading to another location to sing karaoke. As one classmate put it, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The karaoke place was full of young people; but when we started playing our 60s music, they all cleared out! We had the place to ourselves!â&#x20AC;? Saturday night, classmates met at the Shriner Lodge in Percy Quin State Park where Smithie Bouie catered a fried catfish dinner, and the Highway 51 band played 60s cover songs for the crowd. Photos by Elise Parker
Lawrence and Patsy Giles, Sandra Temple, and Judy Henry
Ruth Carpenter Gerik with Mary Louise and Marvin Blanks
Jimmy Rhodus with Mark and Judy Johnson
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THE Social Scene
Linda and John Rowley
Mary Anne Simmons Mitchell and Aubrey Mitchell
Lloydene and Lee Felder
Sylvia and Charlie Prescott
Ronald and Margaret Knight
Troy and Ann Newman
Jane and Bill McElveen
Melody and D. R. Bryant
Joel and Diane Barnett
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Southern Sampler | by Alma M. Womack
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Busy Pickin’ and Ginnin’ Times
C Planters Gin in Jonesville, Louisiana, came into being in 1995. The gin office became the gathering place not only for the owners but also for others in the agricultural industry. People have come and gone through the years, but the core group remains intact. Several years ago, I wrote about three of the owners who meet there every morning. These three were the ones involved with the buzzard flock, and that story didn’t end too well for the farmers or the truck they were in. If you don’t remember this story, Richard Krahn, the truck owner and driver, had his truck slammed by a buzzard that promptly lost its breakfast on the windshield of the truck. His passengers Buster Womack and Melvin Purvis well remember this ride, and didn’t let Rick forget it for a long time. And it did make a very popular story for me in an earlier Bluffs & Bayous. These three are still there in the mornings, along with gin manager Jack Bonner, gin president Kenneth McClure, head ginner Billy Ray Eli, secretary Jamie Ford, and the other owner/producers— Kenneth Cooper, Tom Cotton, Chris Freeman, Chris Krahn, Aaron Wade, Eric and Darren Cooper, J. W. Calhoun, Lester and Dale Fannin, and Al Guido. Clay Fairbanks and Jimbo Pardue are regular visitors as is Mike Wilson, and, of course,
Woodrow and Jorie and me. Module truck owner/driver David Thompson checks in all the time, too, and he’s a favorite target of the assembled farmers. Other farmers who gin with us are in and out as well, so a lively group is always conversing in the morning. Woodrow, being the youngest around, is the object of attention when all the big guys are gathered around, and they all love to tease him and give him goodies and get his take on farming issues. He knows them all and talks about them at home just like they are his absent playmates. When I was washing my hair one day, I told him I had to put conditioner on it to keep it from flying around, and he responded, “It would look like Mr. Rick,” who is known for his unique, blowingin-the-wind hair style. It is Mr. Al Guido, the Mississippian, who has made a great impression on Woodrow. Last year, Al lost a cotton picker to a fire, and Woodrow has never forgotten it. Any red picker that he sees in a field is Guido’s and is in danger of catching on fire. When Woodrow had a chance to ride the picker of our Texas friend Kallen Bubela, he asked his mom, “What color is Mr. Kallen’s picker?” When she told him red, that ended it. He refused to ride because it might catch on fire like Guido’s. He would just stay in the truck and watch.
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Even when he’s playing here at my house with his little John Deere picker, he is mindful of that rascal Guido. When Woodrow finishes picking cotton, after many breakdowns, flats, and broken belts, he has to put it in a special place, always warning me not to “let Guido get his picker and burn it.” Poor Guido had more bad luck this year when I believe it was his sprayer that hit a tree and caused some damage. Now if Woodrow hits something, his equipment is hurt “just like Guido’s”; and anyone that has a wreck, yep, just like Guido. Al takes all of this in stride, and Woodrow thinks Mr. Al is a great guy and will give him hugs; Al just can’t be trusted around a boy’s cotton picker. The visiting hours at the gin start earlier and are getting shorter, for cotton picking time has come, and the men are getting to the fields at an earlier time. We are hoping for a good year at the gin even though our area cotton was impacted by the lengthy drought that we had to live through this year. The yields will probably be down for most of us; but with the price at a decent level, we’ll do about the same as a goodyield/poor-price year. The modules are lining up on the gin yard, but none of them have AMW on them yet. I always ask for the first row so
my few little modules will have a place of prominence to be seen by those driving by. On module number 11, I always have to add Luis Aparicio to its information. He was my favorite baseball player from years ago, and that was his number. A few people knew who he was the first time I did it, and now it is a tradition. I just hope I have a module numbered 11 to write it on this year, since my acreage, rented from Mrs. Maudine Jacobs, didn’t have the best of years. Tropical Storm Lee roared through on Sunday, the fourth, and left us with a foot of rain. The lakes look a lot better, and the cotton wasn’t hurt too badly, nor were the soybeans for which we are eternally grateful. With the good weather forecast for next week, a lot of cotton (We hope.) will be picked and hauled to the gin. This is a busy, busy time of year, and it is a great time for those of us who love this farming life. Meanwhile, Woodrow is helping out on the module builder, helping to mark the modules, and riding in the picker with Clarence Duncan and in the boll buggy tractor with Justin Duncan. He is learning
to be just an all-around farm boy when it comes to harvest time. Nap time is being put on hold because he is just too busy to sleep. It takes a lot of work to harvest a crop, and he is learning all the right ways. He still has to keep an eye out for Guido and his arsonist actions, but he has me helping him watch the equipment, so I can assure him every night that tractors and pickers are safe. Just to let you know, the dogs are fine, the chickens are flourishing, and the weather was cool enough for a few days to let me get some of the vines in my flower beds removed. I am looking forward to getting a few fall plants set out, but mostly I just want to get everything clean and in order. Those many, many days of 100-degree-plus heat kept me finding things to do inside most of the day. Now that bearable weather is here, I will get myself outside and get some serious yard work done before the annual Class of ‘66 party in late October. This is definitely a busy, enjoyable time of the year.
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THE Social Scene Senior Health and Information Fair
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t. Andrewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mission and the Marketing Association for Mississippi Health Care sponsored a Senior Health and Information Fair at Edgewood Mall in McComb, Mississippi, on September 8. Vendors provided free health screens and resource information to citizens in the local community and surrounding areas.
Kim Hodges, Jean Wallace, and Donna George
Jane Swarts, Keith Guy, and Tammy Strickland
Tammy Strickland, Dorothy Martin, Earnestine Varnado
Ella Grace Gerald and Niece Mabry
Samantha Fortinberry, Talita Roberts, and Peggy Lenoir Fortenberry
Alison Strong, Becky Love, Kristi Berch, and Sandi Boykin
Ron West, Dell Choate, and Hiedi Pinkham
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THE Social Scene Holmes Stationers Celebrates 70 years
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olmes Stationers in Summit, Mississippi, recently celebrated 70 years in business with an after-hours party at their store. Owner Susan Gibbes invited residents to visit the location for refreshments, discount drawings, and a visit to her take-home candy buffet.
Vicky Deere, Catherine Sanders, and Tammy Menard
Susan Gibbes, Delores Feldman, David Feldman, and Helen Reynolds
Garland McGhee, Judy McGhee, and Delores Feldman
Allison Strong, Susan Gibbes, and Tina Brumfield
Chelsey Causey, Sue Smith, Judy Dillon, and Patsy Fortinberry
Brittan Johnson, Cathryn Leithead, and Angela Johnson
Lynn Wells, Eliece Rayborn, and Dale Cush
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THE Social Scene
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Ella Tamor’s Fifth Birthday Party
lla Tamor of McComb, Mississippi, celebrated her Fifth Birthday in style, surrounded by family and friends. Guests enjoyed sipping tea served in fine china, playing croquet, swinging on the play set and in the hammock, and exploring the backyard fountain. Photos by Elise Parker
Special guest “Elvis,” serenading the birthday girl and guests
Ella Tamor
Grandparents Rex and Debbie Simmons
Ella Tamor with Ellen Parker
Kristen Martin and Autumn Tamor
Front—Ellen Parker, Addison Root, Ella Tamor, Kathryn Rose Smith, and Gypsy Johnson; back—twins Cooper and Carson Alford with sister Zoe
The Tamor children, Autumn, Chandler, Merritt, and Ella, with their Aunt Leigh Anne Allen
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THE Social Scene Commander Edward D. Nunnery’s Birthday Celebration
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ommander Edward D. Nunnery celebrated his Eighty-Eighth Birthday recently in Magnolia, Mississippi. The event was a joint affair with his family’s send-off of his grandson Sergeant Michael Ruble to Iraq. Friends and family gathered at the home of Bonnie Nunnery on the family farm in Magnolia for a surprise birthday celebration. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres were served, followed by a formal seated dinner. The table was decorated with military memorabilia, fresh flowers, and American flags. Stuffed pork loin was accompanied by prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, specialties of the house. For dessert, everyone enjoyed a slice of cake decorated to commemorate the event. Per tradition, Mr. Ed cut the cake with his military sword. Photos by Elise Parker
Allayna White, Meghann White, Danny Johnson, Sheri Nunnery Johnson, Lena Ruble, Jeannine Nunnery, Commander Edward Nunnery, Jude Macon, David Nunnery, Bonnie Nunnery, Chester Macon, Heather Macon, Michael Ruble, Talita Ruble, Britt Ruble, Mel Ruble, and Britt Arron Ruble
Talita and Sergeant Michael Ruble
Seated—Commander Ed Nunnery with Jude Macon; standing—Britt Ruble, Danny Johnson, David Nunnery, Chester Macon, Sergeant Michael Ruble, and 1Sergeant Britt Ruble
Chester and Heather Macon with son Jude
Meghann White, Allayna White, Sheri Nunnery, Lena Ruble, Jeannine Nunnery, Heather Macon, Bonnie Nunnery, Talita Ruble, and Mel Ruble
Friends and family surprise Mr. Ed as he enters the house.
Britt Arron, Lena, Mel, and First Sergeant Britt Ruble
Commander Edward D. Nunnery
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THE Social Scene
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Brunch for Jessica Levy
essica McKee Levy of Natchez, Mississippi, recently was honored at a brunch given by Joan McLemore. Jessica, a Memphis, Tennessee, native and Ole Miss graduate, has moved to Natchez with her husband Philip Levy who is doing a clerkship for The Honorable David Bramlette, U. S. District Judge. Jessica and Philip have two children, fiveyear-old Lily and six-month-old George. Philip has a Natchez connectionâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;He is the great grandson of the builder of the Natchez Eola Hotel.
Mandy Brown and Jenna Aldridge
Renee Beltzhoover
Jessica Levy
Mandy Brown, Megan Crawford, and Jenna Aldridge
Noelle Reed and Danielle Reed
Peggy McLemore, Mandy Brown, and Jenna Aldridge
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Megan Crawford and Ariel Gardner
Noelle Reed, Jenna Aldridge, Megan Crawford, and Mandy Brown
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October... Up and Coming! Premier Events September 30 to October 14 Natchez Fall Pilgrimage Natchez, Mississippi Nineteen elegant antebellum mansions, many of them private residences, open their doors to visitors during this two-week Pilgrimage each autumn. Hostesses welcome visitors to two and three houses each morning and three more each afternoon. Longwood, Rosalie, and Stanton Hall are open every day. Look for costumed hosts at certain houses where actors portray ancestors and share stories of their lives in the 1800s. In addition, there are three Day’s End Diversions from which to choose! At The Stone House Musicale, visitors enjoy nineteenthcentury classical music in the antebellum music room of the Joseph Stone House on Friday and Saturday at 6:00 p.m. Jazz and Juleps is offered for groups and individuals with advance reservations in the Carriage House on the grounds of antebellum Stanton Hall where toe-tapping jazz and authentic mint juleps await visitors at the end of the tour day. Flags Over Ellicott Hill offers groups and individuals a history reenactment with libations and appetizers at one of Natchez’s earliest sites The House on Ellicott Hill. Here, Andrew Jackson raised the first American flag in the Mississippi territory in 1797. Later evening entertainment includes Amos Polk’s Voices of Hope Spiritual Singers and the Mississippi Medicine Show. For detailed information regarding tours, admission, packages, lodging and additional information for this event, contact Natchez Pilgrimage Tours 601-446-6631, 800-6476742 or www.natchezpilgrimage.com October 14 and 15 Southern Garden Symposium St. Francisville, Louisiana Join other happy gardeners for a full two days of demonstrations, lectures, and tours at the Southern Garden Symposium in St. Francisville, Louisiana. Early morning refreshments will be served at the workshop sites followed by a gourmet lunch in Genevieve Munson Trimble’s romantic Ruins Gardens of Afton Villa. Following your Friday’s choice of four morning workshops, lunch at Afton Villa, and a selection of four afternoon workshops, the event offers its Speakers’ Gala on Friday evening. Always a highlight of the symposium weekend, the Speakers’ Gala will be held this year at Wyoming Plantation, the private home of Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Sullivan. Saturday’s schedule includes a series of three lectures and lunch held on the grounds of historic Hemingbough. Following the speaker series, guests will conclude their symposium Page 58 { October 2011 { Bluffs & Bayous
experience by enjoying a delightful afternoon tea at White’s Cottage, home of Lynn LeSueur Leak, and by taking a stroll through the Symposium Park, located next door to the home on Royal Street. Prices for the event are $65.00 for Saturday’s events, $50.00 for the Speakers’ Gala; and $65.00 for the Saturday’s Symposium. For registration information contact 225-635-3738, luciecassity@bellsouth.net or www.SouthernGardenSymposium. org. For lodging information contact 225-635-6330. October 25 BARL Celebrity Dinner and Auction Brookhaven, Mississippi Volunteers with the Brookhaven Animal Rescue League (BARL) in Brookhaven, Mississippi, are preparing for the Eighth Annual Celebrity Dinner and Auction to be held at the Lincoln Civic Center (Multi-purpose Building) on Tuesday, October 25. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for guests to view the auction items, and the event kicks off at 6:00 p.m. “We’re having the event at a new venue this year, and we’ve got a few new ideas to make the evening more fun than ever,” said BARL volunteer Rusty Adcock. “The night’s menu will consist of good food with a Southern flair, and I guarantee it will be delicious.” The Celebrity Waiters (local business and community leaders), dressed in costume at their decorated tables, will entertain guests to promote tips for the animals. A silent auction will take place throughout the evening, and a live auction with a professional auctioneer will round out the night’s activities. “A professional auctioneer leads the live auction, which is a sight to see. And keep in mind that proceeds from the event—the ticket sales, tips, and money generated from the live and silent auctions directly benefit the animals,” said Adcock. BARL volunteers are currently recruiting Celebrity Waiters, seeking sponsorships, and gathering items for the auctions. “Auction items will range from $5 to $800. We have something for everyone’s budget,” said Adcock. A few of the big-ticket items include an original oil painting valued at $500 and donated by John Malta, a quail hunt valued at $450 and donated by Millbrook Hunting Reserve, and a week-long vacation getaway at Ft. Walton Beach donated by Ed and Jan Gove.
These “Celebrity” waiters participated at last year’s event. Waiters fetch drinks, attend to other needs of their tables, and collect tips along the way for BARL.
October... Up and Coming! Premier Events This year marks BARL’s thirtieth anniversary as a non-profit, limited-intake animal welfare group. The volunteer-based organization serves Copiah, Franklin, and Lincoln counties, providing food, shelter, and veterinary services for abandoned, orphaned, and unwanted animals until they are adopted. All BARL animals are vet checked, vaccinated, and spayed or neutered. Dogs are also micro-chipped. To purchase a $25 ticket, contact Lu Becker at 601-754-2000 or info@barl.net. Anyone interested in adopting, contributing, or volunteering should contact BARL at 601-757-4367 or info@barl. net. Donations are tax deductible and may be mailed to BARL, P. O. Box 3477, Brookhaven, MS 39603. Many of BARL’s adoptable animals may be viewed online at www.barl.net. October 30 Resurrection of Cemetery Road Home Tour Natchez, Mississippi On this unique tour, you will have the opportunity to stroll through nine riverfront cottages on Cemetery Road between the Natchez City Cemetery and the National Cemetery. This unprecedented number of open homes will be linked by a nostalgic trolley ride. Since the creation of the Cemetery Bluff Historic District in 1980, the resurrection of this area has transformed Cemetery Road. Enjoy the diversity of historic preservation, restoration, renovation, and new construction in the personal styles of these trailblazing homeowners and proprietors. Light refreshments served in the ambiance of seasonal décor will complete the festivities. Some homes, which are also Bed & Breakfasts, included in the tour are the Sunset View Cottages, The Mill Cottage, The Gatekeeper’s Cottage, Jenny’s Cottage & Private Home, and Evergreen Cottage. Shuttle transportation will be provided from the bluff parking lot on Broadway Street, north of the train depot since parking on Cemetery Road is extremely limited. Additional assistance will be available for the partially abled. No rain date is planned. Tickets will be $25 per person and can be purchased in advance or on site during the tour, scheduled for 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets in advance call 601-442-2500 or visit the Historic Natchez Foundation at 108 South Commerce Street.
November 11 and 12 Twelfth Annual Angels on the Bluff Natchez, Mississippi The Twelfth Annual Angels on the Bluff tour will be held November 11 and 12. The Natchez City Cemetery will serve as the stage for dramatic vignettes and musical performances that bring to life some of the city’s most interesting residents from years past. The evening begins at the Natchez Visitor Center where participants will board a bus at a reserved ticket time. Guides will accompany you to your destination where they will share interesting facts about the historic cemetery as they lead the drive along candlelit avenues to each character’s presentation. This year’s entertainment includes a variety of people and musical talents. The first will be the wealthy Linton Family who bought Clifton, a mansion overlooking the river, which was blown up by the Union Army in 1863 to make way for Fort McPherson. Louis Duncan Kastor was identified by one writer to be the only man of his race to conduct such a large and successful business which he began on Franklin Street with $65 and by 1902 saw annual sales of $22,000. A Veteran’s Day Musical Salute to “The Greatest Generation,” Our World War II Veterans will provide a moving memorable tribute. Issac Lowenburg was one of Natchez’s beloved mayors who served two terms of office in the late 1870s and early 1880s. He rose to prominence in Natchez, despite arriving with the Union Army, his German accent, and his Jewish faith. Samuel Abraham Marx, born in 1885 to a prosperous Jewish family, studied architecture at the prestigious Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris and became a nationally recognized architect and furniture designer. Rosalie Beekman was the seven-year old daughter of a merchant at Natchez Under-the-Hill. She was the sole casualty of the bombardment of Natchez by the U.S. Essex in 1862 during the Civil War. Andrew Brown was a trained architect who emigrated from Scotland to Natchez where he established one of the most successful lumber businesses in the South. And last but certainly among the best, the History of the Jazz Funeral Band, led by Rusty Jenkins, will recreate this traditionally famous way to honor a loved one with a resounding send-off. At the departure of the tour, the band will entertain guests with its own special version of “When the Saints Go Marching In,” or shall we sing “Out”? Tickets are on sale at the Natchez Visitor Center. 601446-6345 or www.visitnatchez.org Bluffs & Bayous { October 2011 { Page 59
October... Up and Coming!
September 29 - October 1 Sixteenth Annual Downtown Vicksburg Fall Festival Vicksburg, Mississippi 601-634-4527 www.downtownvicksburg.org September 30 - October 1 Robeline Heritage Festival Robeline, Louisiana 318-332-4968 www.robelineheritage.org October 1 - December 31, 2011 A World Turned Upside Down: Civil War Home Front Perspectives West Baton Rouge Museum Port Allen, Louisiana 225-336-2422 www.westbatonrougemuseum.com
Throughout October Mississippi Watercolor Society Grand National Watercolor Exhibition Mississippi Museum of Art, Public Corridor Jackson, Mississippi 601-960-1515 www.msmuseumart.org Throughout October Conner Burns in The Art of the Cup: Southern Comfort Ogden Museum of Southern Art New Orleans, Louisiana 601-446-6334 www.connerburns.com Throughout October Conner Burns at Marie Hull Gallery Hinds Community College Raymond, Mississippi 601-446-6334 www.connerburns.com
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Throughout October 16 Mississippi Medicine Show Natchez Little Theatre Natchez, Mississippi Every Fri., Sat., Mon., & Wed., 8:00 pm October 16, 2:00 pm Tickets $15 601-442-2233 www.natchezlittletheatre.org Through October 14 Natchez Fall Pilgrimage Natchez, Mississippi Daily House Tours Dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s End Diversions Nightly Entertainment Natchez Pilgrimage Tours 640 South Canal Street 601-446-6631 / 800-647-6742 www.natchezpilgrimage.com See Premier Event page 58.
Sundays in October Angola Prison Rodeo & Craft Show Angola, Louisiana Gates open 9:00 am; Rodeo starts 2:00 pm. Tickets $10 225-635-2607 www.angolarodeo.com October 1 Black & Blue Civil War Encampment Historic Jefferson College Washington, Mississippi 10:30 am - 4:00 pm 601-442-2901 October 1 Twenty-ninth Annual Old Court House Flea Market Old Court House Museum Vicksburg, Mississippi 8:00 am - 5:00 pm 601-636-0741 societyhistorica@bellsouth.net October 1 Rockinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Railroad Art & Music Festival Hazlehurst, Mississippi 601-894-3752 hazlechamber@bellsouth.net October 1 Town Creek Arts Festival Mississippi Museum of Art Jackson, Mississippi 10:00 am - 10:00 pm 601-960-1515 www.msmuseumart.org October 1 Cajun French Music Festival New Iberia, Louisiana 337-364-7975 www.louisianatravel.com October 1 Louisiana Cajun Food Fest Kaplan, Louisiana 337-643-2400
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October 1 Denham Springs Fall Festival in Antiques Village / Historic District Denham Springs, Louisiana 225-698-3615 www.denhamspringsantiquedistrict.net October 1 - 2 Forever Plaid Parkside Playhouse Vicksburg, Mississippi 2:00 pm; tickets $4 - $12 601-636-0471 www.vicksburgtheatreguild.com October 1 - 2 Mobile Street Renaissance Festival Hattiesburg, Mississippi 8:00 am - 8:00 pm Featuring amateur boxing, live blues music, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s village and carnival, BBQ cook-off, gospel performances, hop show, youth stage, and a bike show! www.mobilestreetfestival.com
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October 1 - 2 French Quarter Oktoberfest New Orleans, Louisiana Two-day festival with German cuisine, beer, wine, live music and costume contest Tickets $10, purchased on-line or at door www.broussards.com October 1 - 8 Red River Revel Shreveport, Louisiana 318-424-4000 www.redriverrevel.com October 1 & 8 Art & Soul Beading Class Art & Soul Vicksburg, Mississippi 10:00 am $15: materials & same-day 20% discount on bead purchases 601-629-6201 www.artandsoulofthesouth.com October 2 Coppenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Louisiana Zouaves Audubon State Historic Site St. Francisville, Louisiana 11:00 am - 4:00 pm 888-677-2838 225-635-3739 October 2 Sixteenth Annual SugarFest West Baton Rouge Museum Port Allen, Louisiana 11:00 am - 4:00 pm 225-336-2422 www.westbatonrougemuseum.com October 2 Firepower! Port Hudson State Historic Site Zachary, Louisiana 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm 888-667-3400 225-654-3775 October 4 Music in the City Mississippi Museum of Art Jackson, Mississippi 5:15 pm hors dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oeuvres 5:45 pm program Free admission; donations welcome 601-960-1515 www.msmuseumart.org Bluffs & Bayous { October 2011 { Page 63
October 4 - 8 Beauregard Parish Fair DeRidder, Louisiana 337-462-3135 www.laffnet.org October 4, 11, & 18 Six-day Intro to Spanish Classes for Adults Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation Vicksburg, Mississippi 5:30 - 7:00 pm $70 SCHF members; $75 non-members 601-631-2997 info@southernculture.org October 5 - 16 Mississippi State Fair State Fairgrounds Jackson, Mississippi 601-941-4000 www.mdac.state.ms.us October 6 In the Cross Hairs: Louisianaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hurricane Experience & The 2011 Mississippi River Flood Concordia Parish Library Vidalia, Louisiana 6:00 pm Free admission; books available 318-336-5043 www.concordia.lib.la.us October 6 - 8 Mississippi International Film Festival Jackson, Mississippi 601-665-7737 www.mississippifilmfest.com October 6 - 8 The Diviners WCU Smith Auditorium Hattiesburg, Mississippi 7:30 - 8:30 pm 601-318-6051 October 7 High Note Jam Mississippi Museum of Art Jackson, Mississippi Doug Frankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Blues Jam Refreshments and music Time TBA 601-960-1515 www.msmuseumart.org
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October 7 Mississippi Native Ron Tew Signing The Conversion Turning Pages Books & More Natchez, Mississippi 2:00 - 4:00 pm 601-442-2299 turningpages@dixie-net.com October 7 - 8 Thirty-seventh Annual Ole Brook Festival Historic Downtown Brookhaven, Mississippi Friday 6:00 - 9:00 pm Saturday 8:00 am - 8:00 pm MS School of the Arts Talent Showcase & Big Daddy Weave Concert on Saturday! 601-833-1411 www.brookhavenchamber.com October 7 - 9 Gretna Heritage Festival Gretna, Louisiana 504-361-7748 info@gretnafest.com
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October 7 - 9 Fifty-seventh Natchitoches Pilgrimage Natchitoches, Louisiana Plantations, town homes, and houses from Steel Magnolias movie Candlelight tour Friday $25 Two-house tour $38 Three-house tour $48 800-259-1714 www.aphnatchitoches.net October 7 - 9, 14 - 16, 21 - 23, 28 - 31 Haunted Vicksburg Ghost Tours Vicksburg, Mississippi Walking tours $20 per person Haunted House Tour $25 (group of six). 601-618-6031 www.hauntedvicksburg.com October 8 Alan Brown Signs: Ghosts Along the Mississippi River Turning Pages Books & More Natchez, Mississippi 1:00 - 3:00 pm 601-442-2299 turningpages@dixie-net.com October 8 Old Time Gospel Singing Rocky Springs Church Rocky Springs, Mississippi Dinner on ground at noon Off Ntz. Trace between Port Gibson & Utica 10158 Old Port Gibson Road pnholman@yahoo.com 228-466-4782 October 8 Second Saturday Event Featuring Joe Lee Turning Pages Books & More Natchez, Mississippi 5:30 - 7:30 pm 601-442-2299 www.turningpagesbooks.com
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October 8 Twenty-third Annual Over the River Run Old Mississippi River Bridge Vicksburg, Mississippi 8:00 am $25 individual; $15 kids 10 & under $55 family (limit 5) $75 corporate/civic club team 601-631-2997 www.southernculture.org October 8 Phatwater Kayak Challenge Natchez, Mississippi Kayak Race down Mississippi River Keith Benoist 601-431-1731 www.kayakmississippi.com October 8 Outlets at Vicksburg Shopping Extravaganza Vicksburg Outlets Vicksburg, Mississippi Tickets $15 www.outletsatvicksburg.com October 8 Mount Olive 1900 Festival on the Boulevard Mount Olive, Mississippi 601-382-9425 www.townofmountolive.com October 8 Fourth Annual Woodville Deer & Wildlife Festival Town Square Woodville, Mississippi 10:00 am - 5:00 pm $5; children 5 & under free 601-888-3998 www.deerandwildlifefestival.com October 8 Teddy Bear Festival Tallulah, Louisiana 888-744-8410 www.tallulah-la.gov/tourism.htm October 8 Fifty-ninth Harvest Festival French Camp, Mississippi 662-547-6835 www.frenchcamp.org
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October 8 Once Upon a Fall Festival...There was a Storybook Ball Mississippi Children’s Museum Jackson Mississippi 6:30 - 9:30 pm $35 adults; $25 children $150 family (not to exceed 2 adults). 601-709-8971 www.mississippichildrensmuseum.com October 8 - December Brusly High School Centennial Exhibit West Baton Rouge Museum Port Allen, Louisiana Illustrated talk Sunday, October 8, 11:00 am 225-336-2422 www.westbatonrougemuseum.com October 8 - February 5, 2012 Mississippi Invitational Mississippi Museum of Art Jackson, Mississippi Featuring the Donna & Jim Barksdale Galleries $5 adults; $4 seniors; $3 students 601-960-1515 www.msmuseumart.org October 10 One Writer’s Garden: Eudora Welty’s Home Place Lunch & Book Signing Carriage House Restaurant Natchez, Mississippi Lunch $20, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm Cover to Cover Bookstore 601-445-5752 info@c2cbooks.com October 11 Brookhaven Little Theatre Membership Party Brookhaven, Mississippi “Business After Hours” Come & Go Reception 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm View renovation plans. Meet A Christmas Story cast. Season tickets $45 www.haventheater.org
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October 11 Business after Hours at the HAVEN Brookhaven, Mississippi Membership Party 5:00 - 7:00 pm www.haventheatre.org smathis67@yahoo.com October 11 Lunchtime Lecture: Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s That Tree? Historic Jefferson College Washington, Mississippi Free admission, 12:00 am 601-442-2901 hjc@mdah.state.ms.us October 11 Bryan Adams Concert Vicksburg Auditorium Vicksburg, Mississippi 8:00 pm Tickets: $35 - $75 www.ticketmaster.com October 11, 18 & 25 Digital Photography Workshop with Jenny Ellerbe Masur Museum Carriage House Monroe, Louisiana 6:15 - 8:00 pm $120 members; $160 non-members Digital camera & registration required 318-329-2237 info@masurmuseum.org October 12 Donald Goodman & Thomas Head Cookbook Signing Turning Pages Books & More Natchez, Mississippi 12:00 - 1:30 pm 601-442-2299 turningpages@dixie-net.com October 12 - 16 Annual Riverfront Flea Market & Carnival Vidalia, Louisiana 318-336-9934 www.vidaliala.com
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October ... Up and Coming!
October 13 In the Cross Hairs: Louisianaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hurricane Experience & the 2011 Mississippi River Flood Concordia Parish Library Vidalia, Louisiana 6:00 pm Free admission; books available 318-336-5043 www.concordia.lib.la.us
October 13 Mixed Nuts Featuring: Vicki Armstrong, Amber Carraway & Jettie Bradley Petersonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Art & Antiques Vicksburg, Mississippi 5:00 - 7:00 pm 601-636-7210 October 13 - 14 Rolling on the River of Healthcare Quality Education Conference Vicksburg Convention Center Vicksburg, Mississippi Thursday 7:30 am - 4:15 pm Friday 8:15 am - 4:00 pm Tickets $120 www.missahq.org October 13 - 15 The Diviners WCU Smith Auditorium Hattiesburg, Mississippi 7:30 - 8:30 pm 601-318-6051 www.usm.edu
October 14 Civil War at Oakley Audubon State Historic Site St. Francisville, Louisiana 9:00 am -1:00 pm 888-677-2838 225-635-3739 audubonstatehistoricsite.wordpress.com October 14 High Note Jam Mississippi Museum of Art Jackson, Mississippi Refreshments and music at R&B Night with Coup Deville Time TBA 601-960-1515 www.msmuseumart.org October 14, 21 & 28 Classics in the Courtyard Southern Cultural Heritage Center Vicksburg, Mississippi 12:00 - 1:00 pm Free entertainment; lunch $9 with reservations by 5:00 pm Thursday prior 601-631-2997 www.southernculture.org October 14 - 15 Octoberfest Cleveland, Mississippi State Championship BBQ Contest, Music, Car Show, Food 662-843-2712 www.clevelandmschamber.com
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October 14 - 15 Twenty-third Southern Garden Symposium & Workshop St. Francisville, Louisiana Morning & afternoon workshops, tours, speakers, gala & tea 225-635-3738 www.SouthernGardenSymposium.org See Feature Event on page 58. October 14 - 16 Great Mississippi River Balloon Race Rosalie Bicentennial Gardens Natchez, Mississippi Hot Air Balloon Contest, Music, Food, Carnival 601-446-1352 www.natchezballoonrace.com See article on pages 34-37. October 14 - 16 Lafayette Festivals Acadiens et Creoles Lafayette, Louisiana www.festivalsacadiens.com October 14 -1 6 Sixth Annual Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival Lafayette Square Park New Orleans, Louisiana Friday 5:30 - 8:00 pm Saturday 8:00 am - 8:00 pm Sunday 11:00 am - 8:00 pm Free admission 504-558-6100 www.jazzandheritage.org
October 14 - 20 New Orleans Film Festival New Orleans, Louisiana 504-309-6633 www.neworleansfilmsociety.org October 15 Halloween Storytelling West Baton Rouge Museum Port Allen, Louisiana 6:30 - 7:30 pm Free; costumes welcome. 225-336-2422 www.westbatonrougemuseum.com October 15 Lost Arts: Loom Weaving, Spinning, and Embroidery Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site St. Francisville 11:00 am - 2:00 pm 888-376-1867 225-635-3110 www.crt.state.la.us/parks/irosedown.aspx October 15 EXPLORE! Beadmaking Historic Jefferson College Washington, Mississippi Ages 6 - 8: 10:00 - 11:30 am Ages 9 -12: 2:00 - 3:30 pm Pre-registration & $10 payment required 601-442-2901 mdah.state.ms.us
October 15 Gina Ferrara Book Signing The Size of Sparrows Lorelei Books Vicksburg, Mississippi 5:30 pm 601-634-8624 www.loreleibooks.com October 15 Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival Forsythe Park Monroe, Louisiana 318-388-3662 www.nelacelticfest.org October 15 - 16 Civil War at Oakley Audubon State Historic Site St. Francisville, Louisiana Saturday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Sunday 10:00 am - 2:00 pm 888-677-2838 225-635-3739 audubonstatehistoricsite.wordpress.com October 15 - 16 Oak Alley Plantation Arts & Crafts Festival Vacherie, Louisiana Arts & Crafts, Children’s activities, mansion tours, petting zoo, pony rides, festival foods $5 ages 13 older; $2 ages 1-12 www.oakalleyplantation.com
October... Up and Coming! October 16 - 23 Jackson County Fair Pascagoula, Mississippi 228-217-1667 www.co.jackson.ms.us
October 18 Unburied Treasures Mississippi Museum of Art Jackson, Mississippi 5:30 pm hors d’oeuvres 6:00 pm program Free admission; open to the public Jason Bouldin speaks on artist Thomas Sully 601-960-1515 www.msmuseumart.org October 18 - 19 River Region Women’s Health Expo Vicksburg Convention Center Vicksburg, Mississippi 9:00 am - 3:00 pm 601-883-5187 www.visitvicksburg.com October 19 Southern Book Club discusses Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation Vicksburg, Mississippi 601-631-2997 info@southernculture.org
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October 19 - 22 Thirty-fourth Annual Antiques Forum Natchez Convention Center Natchez, Mississippi 601-445-7479 www.natchezantiquesforum.org October 20 Twenty-fourth Annual Peel ‘Em & Eat ‘Em Shrimp Dinner Brookhaven Recreation Department Brookhaven, Mississippi Take out only with pickup 3:00 - 7:00 pm. Tickets via Junior Auxillary member, Trustmark Bank, or State Bank. 601-835-6136 www.jabrookhaven.tripod.com October 20 Alan Brown Book Signing Ghosts Along the Mississippi River Lorelei Books Vicksburg, Mississippi 5:00 pm 601-634-8624 www.loreleibooks.com October 20 - 22 BOO at the ZOO The Jackson Zoo Jackson, Mississippi 5:30 - 8:00 pm Non-members: Adults $9, children $6 Members: adults $7, children $4 Free parking 601-352-2580 www.jacksonzoo.org October 21 High Note Jam Mississippi Museum of Art Jackson, Mississippi Refreshments and classical music by the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra Time TBA 601-960-1515 www.msmuseumart.org October 21 - 22, 28 - 29 & 31 Second Annual “Rocky Horror Show” Coral Room Theatre Vicksburg, Mississippi 7:30 pm Tickets $15 Costumes recommended 601-618-9349
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October 21 - 23 Mississippi International Film Festival Russell C. Davis Planetarium Jackson, Mississippi 601-665-7737 www.msfilm.org October 21 - 29 South Mississippi Fair Laurel, Mississippi 601-649-9010 www.somissfair.com October 22 USM Homecoming Parade Downtown Hattiesburg, Mississippi 10:00 - 11:00 am 601-266-1000 www.usm.edu October 22 Flag Disposal Ceremony Historic Jefferson College Washington, Mississippi Public may bring tattered or faded flags 601-442-2901 mdah.state.ms.us October 22 Great Delta Bear Affair Festival Downtown Rolling Fork, Mississippi Music artists, tours, 5K Walk/Run, and childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities www.greatdeltabearaffair.org October 24 Jason Crabb Vicksburg Auditorium Vicksburg, Mississippi Free admission but ticket required 601-636-3844 twserviceinc@yahoo.com October 24 - 25 Two-Day Figure Drawing Workshop Southern Cultural Heritage Center Vicksburg, Mississippi 5:30 - 8:00 pm $55 SCHF members; $60 non-members 601-631-2997 www.southernculture.org
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October ... Up and Coming!
October 25 BARLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Celebrity Dinner & Auction Lincoln Civic Center Brookhaven, Mississippi Tickets $25 601-754-2000 info@barl.net See Premier Events on page 58.
October 26 - 30 Vampire Fest New Orleans, Louisiana Various venues throughout New Orleans Films, shows, costume parties, panel discussions www.vampirefilmfestival.com October 27 Jazz, Art, and Friends Mississippi Museum of Art Jackson, Mississippi Cocktails and the best Jazz in Jackson at The Art Garden 601-960-1515 www.msmuseumart.org October 27 Ghost Tales Around the Campfire Historic Jefferson College Washington, Mississippi Families invited for (not too) spooky tales Bring a chair or blanket. Free admission 601-442-2901 mdah.state.ms.us
October 27 - 29 BOO at the ZOO The Jackson Zoo Jackson, Mississippi 5:30 - 8:00 pm Non-members: Adults $9, children $6 Members: Adults $7, children $4 Free parking 601-352-2580 www.jacksonzoo.org October 27 - November 13 Louisiana State Fair Shreveport, Louisiana 318-635-1361 www.statefairoflouisiana.com October 28 High Note Jam Mississippi Museum of Art Jackson, Mississippi Refreshments & Bluegrass music from the Delta Mountain Boys Time TBA 601-960-1515 www.msmuseumart.org October 28 - 29 A Very Merry Market Alexandria Riverfront Center Alexandria, Louisiana Friday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Tickets $5 318-880-8863 www.jlalex.com
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October 28-30 Harvest Festival on False River Downtown New Roads, Louisiana 225-638-6049 www.harvestfestivalonfalseriver.com October 29 Broadway Bash Chili Cook-Off Broadway on the Bluffs Natchez, Mississippi Entertainment, dunking booth, costume contest, space jump Sponsored by Natchez Rotary Doug Wimberly 601-660-4671 Suzanne Steckler 601-442-8171 dwiimberly@jksllc.com s_steckler@bellsouth.net October 29 Delta Day Festival Tunica, Mississippi 622-363-6611 www.tunicamainstreet.com October 29 Eighth Annual Louisiana Book Festival Baton Rouge, Louisiana 9 am - 5 pm State Library of Louisiana, State Capitol, Louisiana State Museum & nearby locations along 4th Street Mall, downtown Workshops, food, entertainment, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities Free admission www.louisianabookfestival.org
October 29 Halloween Treats & Costume Contest Downtown Vicksburg, Mississippi 601-634-4527 www.downtownvicksburg.org October 29 History & Techniques of Flint-knapping Historic Jefferson College Washington, Mississippi 1:00 - 3:00 pm Free; pre-registration required mdah.state.ms.us October 29 Longwood Halloween Carnival Antebellum Longwood Natchez, Mississippi Hayrides, Games, Haunted House, Food, Drink Tailgate Tent with TV Sponsored by the Pilgrimage Garden Club 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm $5 teens & adults; $3 children 3-12 Free for children under 3 Tickets at gate Ask about our $20 wristband. Cara Moody Serio 601-304-1602 Susan Graning 601-807-3068
October 29 Walking Tour Forsythe Park & Garden District Monroe, Louisiana Mansur Museum of Art Cooley House Foundation 10:00 am / $25 www.cooleyhouse.org 318-329-2237 October 29 - 30 Annual Yellow Leaf Arts Festival St. Francisville, Louisiana 10 am - 5 pm Downtown St. Francisville Over 50 artists showing and selling their art www.stfrancisvillefestivals.com October 30 Resurrection of Cemetery Road Home Tour Historic Natchez Foundation Natchez, Mississippi 2:00 pm - 5:30 pm 601-442-2500 www.natchez.org See Premier Events on page 59. October 30 Second Annual “Let’s Dance” SCH Auditorium Vicksburg, Mississippi 1:00 pm 601-631-2997 www.southernculture.org
October... Up and Coming! November 2 - 5 Mistletoe Marketplace Mississippi Trade Mart Jackson, Mississippi 7:00 am -3:00 pm 1-888-324-0027 www.mistletoemarketplace.com
November 4 Mistletoe & Magic McComb, Mississippi Holiday Open House—McComb & Summitt Sponsor: McComb Main Street Open All Day until 8:00 p.m. 601-684-4942 libbaalford@bellsouth.net November 10 A Taste of the Trust Brookhaven, Mississippi Food Tasting, Live Music, Silent Auction Brookhaven Recreation Department 5:30 pm - 9:00 p.m. $25 in advance at Bob’s Sandwich Shop Malisia Smith 601-833-1329 November 11 - 12 Twelfth Annual Angels on the Bluff Natchez, Mississippi See Premier Events on page 59.
Be sure to confirm details of the events should changes have occurred since events were submitted.
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USTA
Brookhill Tennis USTA 3.5 Summers Team from Brookhaven, Mississippi, made it to the state championships in June at the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Doris Panzica; Leanne Summers, Captain; Karen Rogers; Beth Evans, Co-captain; Carolyn Rounsaville; Rockie Netherland; Wanda Ballard; and Cheryl Shelby; team members not picturedâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Laurie Sullivan, Lori Perkins, Lynn Bozeman, and Sonya Foster
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Natchez High School Homecoming Queen
On September 9, Natchez High School in Natchez, Mississippi, crowned Ciara Smith as the 2011 Homecoming Queen. Smith is the daughter of Lorenzo Smith, Angela Reynolds, Greg Reynolds, and DeCarlas Smith. Her escort was Brandon Minor.
T
THE Social Scene Danish Family Reunion
he last weekend of April found a family reunion of Voss, Hicks, and Eidt cousins held at Lake St. John near Ferriday, Louisiana. Hosting the event were the seven descendants of Axel Voss, originally from Copenhagen, Denmark, who then settled in Natchez for life after marrying Delphine Gertrude Hicks. The hundred plus in attendance included nine Voss cousins, descendants of Erik Voss, visiting from Copenhagen, Denmark. Coming from Vicksburg, Mississippi, was a group of twenty-nine descendants of Erna Voss Strickland. Voss cousins from Natchez were the descendants of Max Voss. The group was rounded out with Hicks and Eidt first cousins. Under the “Big Top” old memories were shared, new memories were made, and the day ended under the flying Danish flag with the celebration of Mass by the Reverend Louis Sklar. The Freddie Voss Family
Lindsay Strickland with Janice, Ann, and Johnny Nassour
Hadley Voss, Mathilde Voss Emborg, Maria Voss Emborg, and Rachel Mallette
Owen, Jason, Suzanne, and Alex Kerkezi
Hanne Voss, Preben Voss, Suzanne Voss Kerkezi, and Robbie Mattox
Front—Maj-Brit Voss Emborg, Kirsten Bjerregaard, Hanne Voss, Per Hansen, and Mathilde Voss Emborg; back-- Henrik Voss, Ted Emborg, and Preben Voss
Front—Maria Voss Emborg and Mathilde Voss Emborg; back—Ted and Maj-Brit Voss Emborg, Preben Voss, Per Hansen, Hanne Voss, Henrik Voss, and Kirsten Bjerregaard
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THE Social Scene
Front—Rachel and Michael Mallette; back— Dane and Jeff Mallette
Sharon Francingues, Dawn Burroughs, Beverly Roggenkamp, Carolyn Gordon, and Eleanora Baker in front
Front—Mathilde Voss Emborg, and Maria Voss Emborg; back—Maj-Brit Voss Emborg and Ted Emborg
Mel and Bill Shadnaigle, Joan Brown, Joe Anne Hicks, and Betty Lou and Johnny Hicks
Front—Leah and Anna Stevens; back— George and Anita Souderes with Rhonda Souderes Stevens
Amy Prestridge Mattox and Jason Kerkezi
Johnny and Ann Nassour with Norman and Sharon Francingues
Axel and Noah Mattox
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Standing—Justin and Dana Gregory; sitting— Robby and Shannon Potts and Susie and Clay Channell
Alex and Owen Kerkezi with Michael Mallette
Page, Dillon, and Bobby Voss
Philip and Nancy Voss
THE Social Scene
Pat and Freddie Voss
The Carl Voss family
Cate Anderson, Lawson Olinde, and Olivia Hinton
Delphine Prestridge, Dane Prestridge Mallette, Leigh Prestridge Hinton, Jenny Prestridge Anderson, and Cate Anderson
Jean and Bill Voss
Lawson Olinde and Dillon Voss
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THE Social Scene Willingham’s Jewelry Trunk Show and Tea Party
W
illingham’s gift shop in Vicksburg, Mississippi, hosted a jewelry trunk show on August 27. The trunk show featured the wares of local jewelry makers Heidi Haden and Carolyn Murry. Haden of Handmade by Heidi is best known for her handcrafted earrings while Carolyn Murry of Peace Love & Jewelry is known for her hand-stamped metal medallions fashioned into earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. Willingham’s provided complimentary raspberry tea and homemade snacks for shoppers.
Kelly Haden Meeks, Laura Blackledge, Katrina Shirley, and Laura Beth Lyons
Terry Mobley Brumfield, Sally Wailes, and Ann Haden Julie Carr, Presley Carr, Deanne Shover, and Sara Shover
Lindsey Blackledge, Jan Blackledge, and Ann Haden
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Fannie Thompson, Barbara Willingham, and Kristen Meehan
THE Social Scene
Laura Beth Lyons and Katrina Shirley
Carolyn Murry and Megan Heard
Julie Carr, Presley Carr, and Kelly Haden Meeks
Shelby Funchess and Ashley Gatian
Judy Monroe and Marty Lawson
Jennifer Rogillio Ratliff and Margie Heltzel
Heidi Haden and Carolyn Murry
Janet Rantisi and Jordan Amborn
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THE Social Scene Annual Lions Club Water Carnival Beauty Pageant The Lions Club in Brookhaven, Mississippi, held its annual Water Carnival Beauty Pageant at the Lincoln Civic Center on August 12. More than 100 participants in categories one-year-olds to 17-to-20-year-olds competed for top placement in their age division. For the 17-to-20-year-olds, scholarship money is awarded each year.
Mary Smith, Millard Smith, David Holland, Becky Martin, Joe Davis, Becky Currie, and Sarah Doty
Shelby Katelyn Wallace, Loretta Harveston, Courtney Nicole Watts, Susan May, and Kasi Johnson
Haley Langston, Jessica Temple Franklin, and Allyssa Craig
Jim McKennon, Sally Doty, and Mark Stietenroth
Tom Monroe and Rebecca Bates
Kristin Wallace, Shayla McGuffee, and Nealie Shelton
Chynna Coghlan, Bill Hickman, and Rhonda Smith
Khloe King and Jaylynn Thompson
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Robin Smith, Macy McDaniel, and Laura McDaniel
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