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S E R V I N G
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N O R T H E A S T
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Anniversary Issue
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YOUR INVITATION
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IN EVERY ISSUE 12
Our Take
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Social Hour
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RSVP
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Post Toast: 20 Years by the Numbers
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OCTOB E R 2 0 2 6 NOVEMBER 2010
IN THIS ISSUE 18
Don’t Walk
Invitation Magazines’ 20-year journey started with a crazy idea and sound advice from a colleague.
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NOVEMBER 2016
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One Word
Invitation: An ideal name for a new magazine that wanted to welcome the community into its pages.
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Reflecting the Community
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From interesting neighbors to newsworthy events to timely traditions, Invitation reflects people and places that make north Mississippi shine.
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A Work of Art
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It’s said a picture is worth a thousand words. That sentiment has been proven true time and again in this publication through photographs and illustrations.
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20 Years of Showing Up
Invitation’s event pages are a visual record of how our communities gather, celebrate and support one another.
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Support System
From our earliest days to today, the people and businesses who support Invitation Magazines are the reason we’re still here.
ON THE COVER
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This special issue commemorates Invitation Magazines’ 20th anniversary. Welcome to the celebration!
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OU R TAKE WITH
T
his month, we are doing something we’ve never done before: telling the story of our work.
For the last 20 years, we’ve told the stories of others. In every issue since 2006, that is what we have done — and will continue to do. But as we mark 20 years in business, we’re going behind the scenes and sharing with you how we do what we do each month. To say this endeavor has been a trip down memory lane would be an understatement. It has made me reflect on all the wonderful people who have allowed us to become who we are today. Truly, without you — our readers, our advertisers, our sources and many others — we would have never achieved this success. I certainly didn’t do this alone. My staff is the best in the business. I would put them up against any publishing group in the world. They are the reason this magazine is published each month. I’m also thankful for my mom, who encouraged me unconditionally in 2006 to go after my dream. She has supported me, cheered me on and cheered me up my entire life. She still does every day. I wouldn’t be here without her love. And there are so many others who have helped me along the way in this endeavor. “Thank you” is an insufficient phrase for my gratitude. I often tell people that I truly LOVE my work. I love what I do. I love telling the stories of others. And this month, I’m honored to share the story of this publication — and I’m deeply grateful for the dream I had 20 years ago to create a place for it in this community. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for supporting us for so many years. We hope to be telling stories for many more. DECEM
BER 2
021/JA
NUAR
Y 2022
OXFO
HOLID AY S A T HISTO RIC ISOM P L ACE
FOLLOW US
@ I N V I TAT I O N OX F O R D @ I N V I TAT I O N M A G A Z I N E
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HOME for the HOLID AY S
STEP U P YO U R COOKI E P L AT TER WITH N EW RE CIPES
INSIDE A STUN NING HACIE NDA-S T YLE HOME IN MIS SISSIP PI
OUR 13 F AV O R ITE LOCAL LY S O U RCED GIFT ID EAS
@ I N V I TAT I O N M A G A Z I N E S
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PUBLISHER Rachel West
E D ITO R I A L
ART
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Emily Welly
Bryan Nigh
EVENTS EDITOR
SENIOR EDITORIAL
AND SOCIAL MEDIA
PHOTOGRAPHER
COORDINATOR
Joe Worthem
Meg Kennedy CONTRIBUTING FOOD EDITOR
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Sarah Godwin
Elsie Jane Adams Rebekah Clayton Maria Fudge Olivia Jones Miller Meisenheimer Lisa Roberts
COPY EDITOR
Ashley Arthur
O FFI C E BUSINESS MANAGER
Hollie Dalton
A DV E R T I S I N G ADVERTISING
DISTRIBUTION
CONSULTANTS
Allen Baker Brian Hilliard
Alise Emerson Leigh Lowery Lynn McElreath Moni Simpson Whitney Worsham
MAIN OFFICE
662-234-4008
ADVERTISING DESIGNERS
Paul Gandy Markka Bartlett Ryan Strickland
For advertising information, contact ads@invitationoxford.com. To subscribe to one year (10 issues) or to buy an announcement, visit invitationmag.com. To request a photographer at your event, email invitationmag.events@gmail.com. Invitation Magazines respects the many diverse individuals and organizations that make up north Mississippi and strives to be inclusive and representative of all members of our community.
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The Beginning Don't Walk
I N V I T A T I O N M A G A Z I N E S ’ 2 0 - Y E A R J O U R N E Y S T A R T E D W I T H A “C R A Z Y I D E A ” A N D S O U N D A D V I C E FROM A COLLEAGUE IN THE PUBLISHING BUSINESS.
WRITTEN BY RACHEL WEST
W
hile most people make a long-term business plan with lots of thought, calculations, research and things of the sort, the story of how Invitation began is different. I had just turned 29, and I was ready for the next step in my work life. I had worked for several years as a writer for a local magazine in Jackson, Mississippi. I never went into the office regularly, but I had become friends with the owner. One day, we met for lunch at Bon Ami, and I mentioned my crazy idea of launching a magazine in Oxford. She said, “Don’t walk. RUN as fast as you can. Others are looking to launch there.” In true Rachel fashion, I thought to myself, “Challenge accepted.” Less than three weeks later, I was in Oxford. I was taking photos at events, meeting with businesses to explain what I was trying to do and asking them to support the publication, working with artists and writers to create great stories, finding young people to distribute the magazines around the area, and more. It seems like a lifetime ago, but it’s a time I truly enjoyed. Thankfully, because of my previous experience and understanding of the publishing industry, I had a thorough understanding of the puzzle pieces. But putting them all together to produce a magazine was more than I had ever done before.
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Making The First Issue | October 2006
F
rom the beginning, I wanted the magazine to be a publication people genuinely wanted to read — a place where they could see themselves, recognize their friends and neighbors, and discover people they might not yet know. I wanted it to create a sense of connection and curiosity about the community around them. The very first cover was photographed on the balcony of City Grocery. It was a table set almost as if someone had just stepped away — or was about to sit down for a meal, a conversation or a warm welcome. My mom, Sally Malone, who happened to be visiting me in Oxford at the time, took the photograph from the balcony with a tiny, first-generation digital camera. That photograph captured so much of what I had envisioned for the magazine: a place where people would be able to come together, see one another in new ways and learn more about the people, places and opportunities that make our communities so unique.
October 2006 The cover of the first issue of Invitation Oxford was photographed from the balcony of City Grocery. It captured the vision for the magazine.
October 2016 The 10th anniversary issue featured a re-creation of the very first issue’s cover.
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THE COVER MATTERS
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ne of the very first events I covered was an opening at Southside Gallery featuring work by artist Glennray Tutor. I was more than intrigued by his art and the detail in his work. As a reporter — and never shy to strike up a conversation — I contacted him to see if he would allow me to write a story about his work. He invited me to his home studio, where we talked for a very long time. He shared details about how he created art, the hours he spent perfecting each piece and all the nuances that went into his work. As I was leaving, he offered to let us use one of his paintings on the front cover of the magazine. I was stunned — and more than honored. We had published just one issue, and this very accomplished artist was allowing our brand-new publication to put his work on its cover. It was a tremendous honor, but it also meant something more. Having Glennray Tutor on our cover helped show everyone, very early on, that we were committed to producing a quality product to showcase the remarkably talented people who make our community so special.
November 2006 The second issue featured Glennray Tutor’s artwork.
— Rachel West, Publisher
“In fall 2007, I was new to Oxford. I had a background in newspaper and magazine journalism and was looking for a job. I met Rachel, learned about the magazine and pretty quickly was hired as managing editor. It was the best way for me to instantly become plugged into the Oxford community. I got to meet people like Frank Poole, whom I wrote about in the holiday issue that year. But even more impactful were the people I got to work with — the sales staff, photographers, writers and designers. They all welcomed me to Oxford and made me feel like part of the community. Back then, as part of our production process, we hand-delivered printed pages of the magazine to our copy editors, including Dicki King, who was simply an expert on all things Oxford. I have such vivid memories of her kindly welcoming me into her home to talk through stories and meticulously fact-check the event pages. Looking back, the magazine gave me so much more than a job. It gave me a way into a community that was new to me and introduced me to so many of the people and stories that made Oxford feel like home.”
— Emily Welly, Editorial Director
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Why Oxford?
Oxford in 2006 W
I
opted to come to Oxford because I knew it was a creative place. I had long admired this community and the people who make it up — the mix of personalities, passions and perspectives, and the way people have built, shaped and honored Oxford together. There are sports fans, environmentalists, artists, entrepreneurs, intellectuals and so much more, all contributing to the character of this place. My vision was — and still is — to highlight the incredible people who make up our communities and to celebrate the ways we come together to help, support and inspire one another. When I arrived with that idea, though, not everyone understood exactly what I was trying to create. I remember having many conversations with people who were curious about the magazine and what we were doing. I would often tell them, “Just keep picking up the magazine. You’ll understand. As you see it unfold each month, you’ll begin to see the idea and understand what we’re trying to do.” I knew we didn’t have to explain the vision all at once. We could simply keep telling the stories, introducing the people and celebrating the community — and let the magazine speak for itself.
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ho remembers Oxford in 2006? Here are a few things to jog your memory about what town was like then:
The population of Oxford in 2006 was around 16,000. It has since grown to more than 25,000, according to the 2020 census. University enrollment has grown similarly since then.
City Grocery, Neilson’s, Square Books and Ajax anchored the Square then, too, but in 2006, there were some other popular establishments we still miss, including Two Stick, Murff’s, Abner’s and Yocona River Inn.
Ole Miss football (under head coach Ed Orgeron) only won four games, but we got to cheer on Patrick Willis who was a senior and would be drafted to the 49ers in the first round of the 2007 NFL draft and inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2024.
Robert Khayat was the chancellor at Ole Miss, and Richard Howorth (of Square Books) was Oxford’s mayor.
Oh, and Trinidad Chambliss? In 2006, he turned 4 years old.
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The Brand One Word INVITATION: AN IDEAL NAME FOR A NEW MAGAZINE THAT WANTED TO WELCOME THE COMMUNITY INTO ITS PAGES. WRITTEN BY RACHEL WEST
I
had tossed around several potential names for the magazine — Inside Oxford, The Square Affair and plenty of others. At the time, there was a store called Inside Oxford, so that one quickly became problematic. Nothing seemed to fit. But as I talked to people about the idea, I kept coming back to one word. I would say, “I want this magazine to feel inviting.” I wanted people to feel welcomed into its pages and into the community — to discover something new, recognize someone they knew and feel a part of what we were creating. Then one day, I was sitting at my mom’s kitchen island in Little Rock when I picked up a local magazine called “Inviting Little Rock.” And immediately, it came to me: Invitation. It was the word I had been circling around all along. One word. Simple, welcoming and exactly what I wanted the magazine to be. And it had the added bonus of being the perfect length to span the top of a magazine cover.
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February 2009
Making THE LOGO | The evolution of the Invitation Oxford logo, from 2006 to today.
2006-2009
2010-2017
2018-Present
OXFORD
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2010 march
THE REDESIGNS
Art in Oxford
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CARRA HEWITT 2006 - 2009
HALLIE (MARSHALL) THOMAS 2010-2017
HOLLY VOLLOR 2018-2024
HOLLY VOLLOR 2025-Present
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Introducing Invitation Tupelo
I
n October of 2008, I married Phil West and soon we wanted to begin a family. But plans were derailed many times over with numerous failed pregnancies, including an ectopic pregnancy in late 2009. I’d come to the realization that I was probably not going to have a child. And so, I decided I would begin another magazine in northeast Mississippi. We had begun to attract advertisers in Tupelo, New Albany, Corinth, Booneville and spots in between, and those customers would often ask, “Why don’t you start a magazine for this area?” At first I had reservations because in my mind I was saying, ‘I’m going to have a family soon, and starting a new magazine and having a child will be too much to do all at the same time.’ But, after I’d given up on the dream of having a child, I decided the time was right to start another publication for northeast Mississippi. In May of 2010, we launched a sister publication with 10 issues each year. And suddenly my staff and I were publishing 20 magazines per year. And wouldn’t you know, in November of 2010 — with much anxiety and caution — I found out I was expecting! In July of 2011, we welcomed a precious daughter into our world. I went back to work less than 10 days after her birth — and in the last 20 years that is about the ONLY regret I have about my job.
own of Downt The Future iew ev Pr al iv Fest Gumtree age ent Cover Ev ng ri Sp
2013 DECEMBER
In May of 2010, the first issue of Invitation Tupelo was published. Starting then, Invitation Magazines produced two magazines per month targeted at two different markets: Oxford and the Tupelo area. To better reflect the Tupelo-area readership, that magazine has evolved into Invitation Magazine, serving 10 counties in northeast Mississippi. Today, our two magazines are published with different covers and custom event sections.
Y 2014 / JANUAR
— Rachel West, Publisher
“Way back in 2010, I was freshly laid off from a big-name magazine in Birmingham, Alabama. I returned home to Oxford unsure of my next steps. Rachel offered me a job focused on redesigning the magazine. I was incredibly grateful for the opportunity and excited to play a role in that major redesign. Although the pages have taken on a few new looks over the past 16 years, the essence of the brand remains the same. When people see Invitation around town, they know it is a free magazine for the community, by the community.”
— Hallie Thomas, Former Creative Director
“One of the most lasting things I took from my time at Invitation was an appreciation for the importance of community. I had the opportunity to get to know so many of the people, businesses and stories that make Oxford and Northeast Mississippi what they are. I saw firsthand how a local magazine can strengthen those connections — celebrating the people who give a place its character and creating a shared sense of pride in where we live. That experience has stayed with me and was one of the many early sparks that ultimately helped shape what my company is today.”
— Holly Vollor, Former Creative Director
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The Stories Reflecting the Community FROM INTERESTING NEIGHBORS TO NEWSWORTHY EVENTS TO TIMELY TRADITIONS, INVITATION REFLECTS THE PEOPLE AND PLACES THAT MAKE NORTH MISSISSIPPI SHINE. W R I T T E N B Y E M I LY W E L LY
T
he stories in our magazines reflect the community. Double Decker. Home & Garden. Bridal. Football. Pets. Food. Holiday. These themes have been consistent almost since the start of the magazine. They give us a framework from which to build, and they guide our advertisers in making sales decisions and design choices. Within that framework, we write about community organizations, artists, authors, musicians, students, athletes, families, travel destinations, fashion trends, recipes (so many recipes!), unique businesses, gorgeous homes, seasonal gardens, family pets, holiday traditions, bridal announcements and so much more. We have looked back in time to celebrate the past. We have imagined the future, especially as rapid development has occurred over the past 20 years. But most of all, the stories we tell are about what’s happening in the lives of our readers here and now — the people and places that make our community what it is today. When we have the opportunity, we also cover the biggest stories to impact our community. In 2008, the Presidential Debate took place at Ole Miss. In 2013, the famous Budweiser Clydesdales visited Tupelo and graced our cover in an iconic photo. In 2016, HGTV’s Ben and Erin Napier (both Ole Miss grads) were on our cover. In August of 2022, Ole Miss baseball
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April 2010 For most of the magazine’s 20 years, the April issue has featured Double Decker on the cover. APRIL
S E R V
Home & Garden has been a regular theme almost since the beginning.
2019
I N G
10
CO U N
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HOME &
N O R T
H E A S
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M I S S
I S S I P
GARDEN SOUTH
OUTDO OR OA SIS ERN S TYLE I N NYC #GOBL UEMS
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June 2013 The Bridal issue
February 2016 The Pets issue FEBRUARY
September 2026 The Football issue
2016
THE
MEETPAGEBR12ICK
PET ISSUE
EIR FINDING TH MES FOREVEofRFosHOter Pets
RK PETS AT WO s and Their
A Story
sse Local Busine d Assistants Four-Legge
AN OXFORDT BUCKET LIS for Rover
A TRIBUTETA TO MAMACI Cat Queen of the Square
HOLIDAY
2013
December 2013 The Holiday issue November 2024 The Food issue
Handmad HOLIDAY S
e
September 2008 Oxford hosts the Presidential Debate
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August 2022 Ole Miss Baseball wins the College World Series National Championship
DECEMB ER
2013 / JAN UARY 2014
December 2013 The famous Budweiser Clydesdales visit Tupelo
November 2016 Featuring HGTV’s Ben and Erin Napier ER NOVEMB
2016
the
OXFO
COMMUNITY issue March 2026 The Community issue recapped the response to ice storm Fern.
SPRIN FROM
FUDGE
GS FLO TOWN
WERS FA RM
ANT G ATH E R ING PL ACE IN RIP LEY
FRIEN DS AN D NEIG UNITE HBORS FOR S TORM RECOV ERY
COMM
U N IT Y MARC
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won the national championship, and we produced a commemorative issue. And following the 2025 football season, we covered the Ole Miss team’s historic playoff run. We have dealt with challenges, too, that not only affected the content of the magazine but also the way it was produced and delivered. In spring of 2020, we had to quickly shift gears when COVID changed lives everywhere. With events curtailed and Double Decker canceled, our April 2020 magazine morphed into a collection of stories we hoped would offer entertainment and escape. We handdelivered it to neighborhoods to get it in readers’ hands. The only issue we have ever skipped publishing was May 2020. Then, this past winter, we covered the ice storm and its aftermath in our March 2026 magazine, focusing mainly on the many helpers who came together to support our community. That storm caused disruptions for everyone, including the magazine’s production schedule for months to come. But it also re-energized the community and brought organizations together in an unprecedented way that continues today.
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February 2025 The Travel issue
April 2020 At the start of the pandemic, we hand-delivered this magazine to neighborhoods in hopes of offering readers some entertainment and escape.
“When I first moved to Oxford from Kansas City in 2011, I didn’t know many people here. Luckily, one person I did know was the editor of Invitation, who asked if I’d be interested in freelancing for the magazine. Thanks to that first assignment (a profile of that year’s Double Decker artist, Sean Starwars) and the dozens that followed over the past 15 years, I’ve had the opportunity to meet some truly amazing people throughout the area. Telling their stories has been a privilege, and it’s also been a great way for this Midwestern transplant to feel at home in the South.”
— Lena Anderson, Former Editor
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Making READER INTERACTION
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e have always been a print magazine first, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t interacting with our readers throughout the year: Our website is updated with every new issue, and we are proud to have thousands of followers on Facebook and Instagram. We love when you like and share our stories!
•
The entire staff participates in selecting the semifinalists for our annual Pet Cover Contest, which has become one of the magazine’s most beloved traditions and is clearly a reader favorite.
•
WEDDING E l i z a b e t h Mo r r i s s e y O e h m le r & Joh n C h r i s t i a n L a n ge
We love sharing bridal announcements purchased by newlyweds for our June magazine every year, and we are so thankful you choose to share your special day with us in this way.
A
fter a surprise proposal at the Carlyle Hotel in New York City just before Thanksgiving 2024, followed by a family celebration at Bemelmans Bar, Eliza Oehmler’s and Christian Lange’s wedding season began. The couple immediately agreed that Oxford was the preferred location for their fall 2025 wedding; but would the SEC football gods grant their wish and schedule the Rebels’ only off weekend for the same one as the bride’s law school fall break? Watching ESPN with bated breath for the announcement in mid-December, indeed, they did! And on Oct. 4, 2025, Eliza and Christian exchanged vows in perfect weather on the grounds of William Faulkner’s Rowan Oak. October 2025 marked exactly nine years since the couple had started dating. The groom is from New York City, went to Hotchkiss in Connecticut and graduated from Georgetown University. The bride is from Memphis, Tennessee, went to St. Mary’s
and graduated from Harvard. The couple met while working on the Hillary Clinton presidential campaign in 2016. Both were in college at the time, so, after the election, they had to maintain a long-distance relationship between different schools and various job opportunities. They ultimately found their way to the same city at the same time, ready to start their future together. The couple’s main focus in planning was to ensure their guests had a wonderful experience at their chosen destination. The attendees came from all over the country and the world, some as far as London, Paris and Hong Kong! Many had never stepped foot in the South, and Oxford fully delivered on its hospitality and charm. Eliza wore a stunning veil and gown from Monique Lhuillier and pearl earrings Christian gifted to her. The bride and groom matched the soles of their shoes in Christian Louboutins. Judge Andy Howorth, stepfather of the bride, performed the
EMILY HOLMES WEDDINGS
•
“The very first article I ever wrote for Invitation Oxford was in 2010 — a feature on the Brown Family Dairy. I was so nervous to go to the interview. And even more nervous to think about putting pen to paper afterwards. I mean, Larry Brown was Oxford literary royalty! But when I arrived, the owners (Paula and Billy Ray Brown) could not have been more welcoming and gracious. I met their family and patted their cows. I watched their children run around the yard and laughed when they told me their son had named a calf after himself. I stayed out there until the sun started to fade, and I had to say my goodbyes. I think that because of the Brown family’s warmth and kindness, it remains my favorite story I have ever written.”
— Sonia Thompson Former Editor
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The Artwork A Work of Art IT’S SAID A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS. THAT SENTIMENT HAS BEEN PROVEN TRUE TIME AND AGAIN IN THIS PUBLICATION THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHS AND ILLUSTRATIONS.
“I
n every single story we publish, we often think of the art first. When we begin to create the ideas for what stories we will tell in each issue, we always consider the art as important or — in some cases — even more important than the words you read.
”
— Rachel West, Publisher
R 2015 OCTOBE
“Stepping into the role of Creative Director at Invitation has allowed me to grow far beyond my roots as a contributing artist. It has given me a true appreciation for the big picture that our talented artists and writers have been building here since 2006. For me, art influences everything — whether I’m designing a magazine spread or picking out a housewarming bottle of wine, great design determines what I bring home versus what stays on the shelf. I look forward to creating more eye-catching designs that make you want to pick up every issue!”
— Bryan Nigh, Creative Director
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Photography
F
or 15 of the past 20 years, Senior Editorial Photographer Joe Worthem has been responsible for the majority of the feature photography in the magazine, from wild animals to sports stars to newly renovated homes to outdoor landscapes. Here’s a look at some of his own favorite magazine photography.
“Working as a photographer for Invitation has allowed me to see and have access to so many people, places and things that I didn’t previously know about. I have learned a lot more about the community I live in and the wonderful people that live here. I have been very impressed over the years with the amount of interesting things that we have happening in our own backyard, and it has been a pleasure to photograph so many of them.”
— Joe Worthem, Senior Editorial Photographer
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Contributing Artists
I
n addition to photography, original illustrations often appear on the pages of Invitation. We have been privileged to work with Mississippi illustrators for a variety of feature stories and covers. Here’s a look back.
February 2015 | Laurie Fisher
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Frank Estrada
“Invitation Oxford came along at a very critical point in my life and career. I was young with a new family, had a marketing career on the horizon, and I loved to cook. Food has always been love in my world, and Invitation gave me the opportunity to share that. That confidence carried into my work with Delta Supper Club as well as with instructing Viking Cooking School classes, where I continued developing my goal of connecting people, ideas and recipes — through sharing. Invitation gave me a foundation to trust my instincts, embrace new opportunities and to share experiences (in the kitchen mostly). Thank you, Invitation, for an incredible 20 years!”
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Sarah Godwin CALENDAR
|
RECIPES
|
GUIDE
|
FE ATURES
|
EVENTS
|
LASTING IMPRESSIONS
The 2024 Guide WHETHER YOU ARE NEW TO N O R T H M I S S I S S I P P I O R H AV E LIVED HERE FOR A LIFETIME, WE WELCOME YOU TO DISCOVER — OR REDISCOVER — THIS SPECIAL PLACE WE CALL OUR OWN. WRITTEN BY LESLIE CRISS PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM ILLUSTRATED BY SAR AH GODWIN
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et’s go on a journey around north Mississippi together to shine a light on the people, places and things that define this place we call home.
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Oxford
44
Tupelo
48
New Albany
50
Corinth
52
Water Valley
The Square, William Faulkner, Lafayette County Courthouse, University of Mississippi, Ford Center, Oxford Foodies, Roundabouts Elvis Presley, Oren Dunn City Museum, Local Eateries, Natchez Trace Parkway Tanglefoot Trail, Union County Heritage Museum, William Faulkner Literary Garden Slugburgers, Corinth Contraband Camp, Crossroads Museum B.T.C. Old-Fashioned Grocery, Casey Jones Railroad Museum
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“Illustrating for Invitation Magazines over the years has been such a joy. It is a privilege to be trusted to bring the stories to life through watercolor, and it often challenges me to think outside the box and pushes me outside of my comfort zone. I hope to get to be a part of telling stories for years to come.”
— Sarah Godwin, Contributing Artist
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The Events 20 Years of Showing Up INVITATION’S EVENT PAGES ARE A VISUAL RECORD OF HOW OUR COMMUNITIES GATHER, CELEBRATE AND SUPPORT ONE ANOTHER. WRITTEN BY RACHEL WEST
F
2008
rom day one, I wanted events to be an important part of the magazine — fundraisers, art openings, community celebrations, sporting events and other gatherings that brought people together. I wasn’t interested in photographing private parties, family reunions or events that weren’t truly connected to the broader community. We have worked hard to stay true to that standard over the past 20 years. In the first year or two, though, it wasn’t always easy. Month after month, we needed to find 10 or 12 events to photograph, and there simply weren’t that many happening all year round. I remember that in February 2007, we ran photographs from the Christmas parade because there was so little going on that winter. Today, the challenge is completely different. There are more events than we could ever possibly cover. Every month, our communities come together to support schools, nonprofits, the arts, sports, local organizations and countless causes. It’s remarkable to look back and see how much that has grown — and how much those event pages have become a reflection of the generosity, energy and spirit of our communities.
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2008
2009
2011
2010
2012
2013
2016 2015 2014
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The Events 2017
2018
2021
2019
2022
2020
“I enjoy my job because I love being out in the community and the surrounding counties, meeting people and being a part of all the interesting things that are happening here.”
— Lisa Roberts, Event Photographer
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Making THE EVENT PAGES
C
2023
2024
overing local events requires a lot of coordination: We keep a running list of upcoming events; an event photographer signs up to cover an event; they take photos and record names; the events editor creates a designed page; that page is then polished with editing, fact-checking and final design work; and the finished page is put in the magazine. We are always looking for additional photographers to take photos at events. Interested? Email invitationmag.events@ gmail.com to find out more!
2025
2026
“My husband and I prayed for a job like this to come up when we found out I was pregnant with our daughter. At the time, I was working in corporate consulting, and hours were not very flexible. Through Rachel, our prayers were answered, and I’ve been able to work on something I not only studied in school but something I enjoy. Getting to see what happens around Oxford and northeast Mississippi is so much fun and makes me feel further tied to the communities in those areas. God gave me such a gift with this job — I get to do something I truly enjoy while spending more time with my daughter, watching all the little moments unfold before me. ”
— Meg Kennedy, Events Editor
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The People Support System FROM OUR EARLIEST DAYS TO TODAY, THE PEOPLE AND BUSINESSES WHO SUPPORT INVITATION ARE THE REASON WE’RE STILL HERE. WRITTEN BY RACHEL WEST
I
realized within the first four weeks after the first publication that I was going to need help if I was going to sustain this crazy idea I had come up with. People were beginning to understand what we were offering to readers: a free magazine, supported entirely by advertising. Without advertisers, it simply wasn’t possible to bring this idea to life. And, of course, in order to pay the bills and keep the magazine going, I had to generate revenue. I was introduced to Lona Waller, who was willing to work part-time. Lona was energetic and a great fit for introducing the publication to our community. She was a go-getter, and for an entire year, she was the only person selling advertising for the magazine. But as we headed into our second year, it became clear that Lona needed some help. She introduced me to Lynn McElreath 19 years ago, and I am more than honored to say that Lynn is still a member of our staff today. Because of Lona and Lynn’s commitment to our purpose and their ability to build and maintain long-term relationships, I am proud to say that we have partnered with some clients for nearly the entire time we’ve been in business. Our longtime advertisers include: Van Atkins Jewelry, Glenda Keenan, Oxford Dental, North Mississippi Health Services, Staggs, Dr. Michael Robertson, Sportsman’s Lawn & Landscape,
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Hodges Orthodontics, Cannon Motors, Hunt Marketing, Sugar Magnolia, Cannon Cleary McGraw, Southside Gallery, Drewery’s Termite & Pest, Oxford Urgent Care, Visit Oxford, Reeds, Sanctuary Antiques and Corinth Tourism. I’ll never forget, in those first few months of publication, Walker Swaney (from Oxford Dental) coming up to me at choir practice at church and saying, “Rachel, I know you need to make money if you’re going to continue to do this. So, I think I need to buy an ad.” The truth is, we simply would not be here today without every single business and organization that has supported Invitation with their advertising dollars — from October 2006 through the issue you are reading For 20 years, you’ve helped make this crazy idea possible. We cannot thank you enough.
Oxford Dental
Glenda Keenan
Staggs Interiors
Making THE AD THEN & NOW | A look back at just few of our longtime advertisers
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“I love the people I work with — our team feels more like a family. My clients make my job easy with their vision for their ads each month. The flexibility that this job has given me to raise my girls is also very important to me. The August 2014 back-to-school issue had my girls playing tennis on the cover, and that was very special. Watching Joe do the photo shoot is something I’ll never forget.”
— Leigh Lowery, Advertising Consultant
“We met and became friends because of the magazine!” After they met working for Invitation, Alise and Moni became neighbors and friends. In 2018 they shared a little about their friendship and their mutual love of all things Christmas with readers.
— Alise Emerson and Moni Simpson, Advertising Consultants
“I guess the fact that I’ve been with the magazine for 19 years really speaks for itself! I enjoy what I do. I work with lots of great people and I’ve gotten to know so many more because of the magazine. It's been fun to watch how it has evolved and grown with the community over the years.”
— Lynn McElreath, Advertising Consultant
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Continued from page 48
THE AD THEN & NOW | A look back at just few of our longtime advertisers
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S OC IAL HOU R
S A LT I L LO B A S E B A L L F U N D R A I S E R
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he Saltillo Baseball Booster Club brought supporters together for a golf tournament benefiting Saltillo High School baseball. The event helped raise funds for the Tigers’ baseball program following its 2026 Class 6A state championship season. PHOTOS BY LISA ROBERTS
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Trice Rakestraw, Jack Bailey, Jack Adams and Everett Dabbs Cody Dye and Lance Kent Hayden Martin, Cooper Box, Wyatt Adams and Tatum Young Leah and Brady Bruce with Cory and Brayden Dewett
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S OC IAL HOU R
C E L E B R AT I O N O F CU LT U R E S AT T H E D E P OT
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upelo Parks & Recreation hosted Celebration of Cultures Sept. 20 at The Depot. The free, annual event celebrates the diverse cultural makeup of notheast Mississippi with food, art, music and dance. PHOTOS BY LISA ROBERTS
4
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5
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Sephie and Nina Gilmore with Deedee Cantrell, Pinky Carr and Lorjen Garcia Celeste and Alisson Flores with Elyse Nguyen Ulanda Young and Rainah Johnson Priya and Haywards David Fromle, Esi, Yam and Nana Ama Osei Lupita Triano and Johanna Apolinar
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S OC IAL HOU R
9/ 11 M E MO R I A L S TA IR CLIM B
2
T
1
he annual Tupelo 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb took place to honor and remember fire fighters and other first responders who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001.
PHOTOS BY LISA ROBERTS
1 2 3 4
3
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Meghanne and David Lee, Tracey and Ryan Webb MaryLeigh Horn, Emily Oliver and Brittany Wooley April Cook and Angie Henry Morgan Robinson, Stephanie Roy and Amanda Lane
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S OC IAL HOU R
T H E S H E P H E R D C E N T E R FA L L F E S T I VA L
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2
3
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he Shepherd Center Fall Festival took place at Fairpark in downtown Tupelo Sept. 12. The community came together to enjoy entertainment, fellowship, familyfriendly activities and food. The Shepherd Center empowers senior adults to live independently by offering transportation, doing minor home repairs and hosting social gatherings. PHOTOS BY LISA ROBERTS
1 2 3 4 5 6 4
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7 8
Marsha Oliver and Kathryn Barrow Kellan Dees, Addison Barber, Lily Comer, Sammie Harmon and Eden Davis Jaycee Hawkes and Tootie Carter Sonya Martin and Anna Belk Tara Rogers and Emily Tunnel Mary and Charles Johnston with Jean Colegrove Boonie Sapp Jonah and Piper Grace
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S OC IAL HOU R
R E E D ' S FA S H I O N S H OW
R
eed’s hosted its annual fashion show at the Tupelo Country Club, bringing the community together for an afternoon showcasing the latest fashions. The event benefited the Tree of Life Clinic, supporting its mission to provide free medical and dental care to uninsured adults across northeast Mississippi. PHOTOS BY OLIVIA JONES
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1
Claire Mcgee, Brenda Hilbun, Grace Clark and Susan Mitchell Beverly McAlilly and Alice Rogers Trentice Imbler, Denis Doorly and Carrol Trent Imbler Annette Reed and Dakin Funderburk Liz Rose, Bennett Mize, and Tommy Green Albine Bennett and Kristy Luse with Cathy and Maribeth Kirkpatrick Leigh Monroe and Penne Huff Allie Purnell and Jessica Clayton Jenny Irwin and Belva Poland Fashion show models Kirk Forrester and Lizzy Doorly Kathryn Thomas, Debbie Monroe and Gabriella Cooper
2
3
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S OC IAL HOU R
T E R R Y LY N N A R T I S T R E C E P T I O N
1
2
3
T
he Terry Lynn art reception brought art lovers and community members together at the GumTree Museum of Art to celebrate Lynn’s artwork. The reception offered an opportunity to view the exhibition and meet fellow art enthusiasts. PHOTOS BY LISA ROBERTS
1 2 3
4
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4 5 6 7 8
Zell Long and Jane Riley Molly Nolan with Symabol and Terry Lynn Leslie Geoghegan, Linda Hale, Marianne Sleep and Helen Boerner Chris Maynard and Lisa Johnson Deepika Dey and Linda Allen Doyce Deas, Tracy Kramer and Tami Doss Bentley Nolan and Ray Allen Belva and Pete Poland
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S OC IAL HOU R
TUPE LO FA RME RS M A RKE T AT THE DE P OT
1
2
3 arket vendors gathered Sept. 19 for the weekly Tupelo Farmers Market at The Depot. Shoppers found produce, baked goods, flowers and more. All were treated to live music by Blayze Windham. The market is open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. until noon through October.
M
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5
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PHOTOS BY LISA ROBERTS
6
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Dana Gordan with Janet and Gary Snider Susan and Phil Daughdrill A.J. Dillard Malachi Millard and Lavern Dulaney Tacy and Mike Richey Mary King Bridget Robinson and Linda Summers Blayze Windham Garrett, Jon, Amanda and Sylvie Franklin
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S OC IAL HOU R
SNAPSHOTS B O D O C K F E S T I VA L PHOTO BY LISA ROBERTS
1 1 2 3 4 5
Merideth and Sophie Theadaway Sunni and Taylor Hunt Lilah and Chasity Bramlett Luc Jones Graham Grubbs and Brewer Rhudy
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3
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TO U CH - A -TRU CK PHOTOS BY LISA ROBERTS
R SVP
HAPPENING NOW NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI
TUPELO CHILI FESTIVAL OCTOBER 16 | FAIRPARK tupelomainstreet.com
FALL INTO STEM OCTOBER 17 | CORINTH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL cms .corinth .k12 .ms .us/student-ser vices
OUT OF THE DARKNESS COMMUNIT Y WALK OCTOBER 24 | BALL ARD PARK tupelo.net
TUPELO ALE TRAIL OCTOBER 30 | DOWNTOWN TUPELO tupelomainstreet.com
“THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW” O C T O B E R 3 0 -3 1 | T C T LY R I C tctlyric.com
“ WOMAN IN BL ACK” O C T O B E R 1 -3 | T H E LY R I C
LE BONHEUR PUMPKIN RUN 5K
tctlyric.com
OCTOBER 10 | FAIRPARK
CORINTH VS. SOUTH PONTOTOC FOOTBALL
pumpkinruntupelo.raceroster.com
D U D I E B U R G E R F E S T I VA L
OCTOBER 2 | WARRIOR STADIUM
OCTOBER 10 | OREN DUNN CITY MUSEUM
chs.corinth.k12.ms.us/calendar
facebook.com/orendunnmuseum
ROBINS STREET ART STROLL
C AT REM A N CH A LLE NG E 5K & 1-MILE FUN RUN
OCTOBER 3 | DOWNTOWN TUPELO
OCTOBER 10 | 501 CARDINAL DRIVE, CORINTH
facebook.com/RobinsStreetArtStroll
r unsignup.com
TUPELO FLEA MARKET
H AUNTE D THE ATRE
OCTOBER 9-11 | TUPELO FURNITURE MARKET
O C T O B E R 1 0 -3 1 | T H E LY R I C
tupelofleamarket.net
thehauntedlyric.com
FA M I LY F U N D AY
BURGER BASH
OCTOBER 10 | THE DEPOT
OCTOBER 15 | THE DEPOT
tupelomainstreet.com
tupelo.net
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PO ST TOAST
20 YEARS BY THE NUMBERS
I N V I TAT I O N publishes
10
magazines per year.
From 2010-2020,
I N V I TAT I O N published magazines per year.
20
Collectively from 2006-2026:
I N V I TAT I O N published
300
issues.
I N V I TAT I O N
At 10 issues per year, that’s approximately
15,000 copies per month.
copies per year.
circulates
150,000
150,000 x 20 years =
3 MILLION magazines
More than
50,000 people have been
featured
in our magazine with articles and event pages. 80 I N V I T A T I O N | O C T O B E R 2 0 2 6
We’ve written
over
2,000 stories about the
community we serve.
Over 1,000
businesses from across the state and Memphis have supported us over the last
20 years.
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