HOLIDAY EDITION 2018 // FREE
It ’s the Most
WONDERFUL
Time of the Year !
There is no shortage of vibrant, festive sights around the state each year.
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I Publisher
Jason Niblett jason@myventuresouth.com
Production Manager & Graphic Designer
Anna Griffing anna@myventuresouth.com
Contributing Photographers Debra Jefcoat | Jason Niblett Jill Deakle | Hilda Hellwig Sandra Buckley
Contributing Writers
Debra Jefcoat | Jason Niblett Jill Deakle | Hilda Hellwig Sandra Buckley
Advertising
Kevin Dearmon kevin@myventuresouth.com Jill Deakle jill@myventuresouth.com
Debra Jefcoat debra@myventuresouth.com
Venture South Magazine is published monthly by Venture South Media LLC. Laurel, Mississippi
Pine Belt: 601-909-0990 | Meridian: 601-453-1377 Gulf Coast: 228-207-1606 | North Mississippi: 662-830-8333 email: info@myventuresouth.com facebook.com/myventuresouth
© 2018 / All rights reserved. Contents of this magazine may not be reproduced in any manner without written consent from the publisher. Venture South Media LLC/Venture South Magazine cannot be held liable for errors and omissions. Copies are available at locations throughout south Mississippi.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! We wish you all a very happy holiday! Cover photo by Jason Niblett.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS 14
Mississippi has some of the most beautiful light tours out there – and here are just a few!
BRANSON, MISSOURI
Branson is known as the “Live Entertainment 21 Capital of the World” and has an enchanting show of holiday festivities.
KATINA RANKIN
Emmy-nominated journalist Katina Rankin is making changes in the lives of impoverished children.
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DOWNTOWN MENDENHALL
A group of women entrepreneurs are 31 working to not only stabilize their hometown, but make it thrive
EVENTS & HAPPENINGS 36
Plan your next adventure!
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IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE A
J
ust about every Mississippi town or city has a wonderful Christmas tradition with parades, festivals and twinkling lights. Here are some of
PHOTO CREDIT: ETHAN CURRIE HATTIESBURG, MS
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our favorite Christmas light displays in Mississippi with a couple honorable mentions nearby:
BILOXI CHRISTMAS
ON THE WATER
Imagine thousands of dazzling lights, boats, and reflections on the Gulf of Mexico. The Christmas on the Water Boat Parade has certainly become a celebrated celebration, and the 32nd edition is certainly not going to disappoint guests. The celebration offers something for all ages and many interests. Boats parade in full holiday décor with a fireworks show following. The best parade viewing locations are between the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor and Casino Row or between the Biloxi Lighthouse and Beau Rivage Resort & Casino. Canton, the “City of Lights,” comes alive each holiday season with attractions and events for young and old alike. From the Victorian Festival to old-fashioned carousel rides, you’ll find something to tickle your holiday fancy, no matter what your preference! The festivities in Canton all take place around the historic Courthouse Square, decorated with more than 200,000 glittering lights. The festival received honorable mention from the Arts & Entertainment Network’s 2003 contest, “Best Small Town Christmas Spirit.” In addition to the Canton Animation Museums and the glittering decorations of the Square, Canton offers holiday visitors many other attractions including the Merchant’s Open House Weekend, Carousel on the Square, Trolley Ride around the Square, Old Jail Museum, Log Cabin Behind the Old Jail, The Railroad Museum, and a light and character parade. For details, visit www.cantontourism.com .
CANTON CITY OF LIGHTS
NATCHEZ
This beautiful city on the Mississippi River is known for its genuine Southern Hospitality, unique restaurants and historic houses. During the holiday season, Natchez sparkles with lights. The season is festive and filled with many special events to make a holiday visit to Natchez a memorable one. For tickets to events, call Natchez Pilgrimage Tours at (800) 647-6742. Visit www.christmasinnatchez.com/calendar for the full list of events and locations.
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COLUMBIA NATCHEZ
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HATTIESBURG THE HUB CITY
This beautiful city on the Mississippi River is known for its genuine Southern Hospitality, unique restaurants and historic houses. During the holiday season, Natchez sparkles with lights. The season is festive and filled with many special events to make a holiday visit to Natchez a memorable one. For tickets to events, call Natchez Pilgrimage Tours at (800) 647-6742. Visit www.christmasinnatchez.com/ calendar for the full list of events and locations.
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This spectacular light show is presented as a walking tour or aboard a free heated trolley. Guests are able to visit with Santa in his village every night, take pictures at any of the Elfie Selfie stations located throughout the park and enjoy hot chocolate, marshmallows and concession items available for purchase. Tickets for rides such as Santa’s Big Wheel, the Merry Go Round Carousel, Santa Express Tour Train, Skyracer, Santa’s Kid’s Master Express Train are also available for purchase inside the park. Guests may also wish to Park & Pay at the CTA Parking Garage. Fee includes covered parking, show entry, and free heated shuttle service to and from the show in Jones Park.
GULFPORT
HARBOR LIGHTS WINTER FESTIVAL
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BRANSON IS A FANTASTIC HOLIDAY DESTINATION
Story by David Owens | Photographs provided by Public Relations Representatives from Branson, MO
When it comes to a Christmas wonderland with attractions, shows, decorations and plenty of memorymaking fun, a long weekend trip to Brandon, Missouri is sure to become a favorite destination. Known as the “Live Entertainment Capital of the World,� Branson is situated in southwestern Missouri in the area known as the Ozarks. Along with those beautiful mountains, the city features access to the White River and lakes Taneycomo and Table Rock. Several companies take advantage of that scenery, offering trips by both boat and rail. Perhaps the biggest attraction in Branson is Silver Dollar City, an 1880s-style theme park that opened in 1960.
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The park boasts more than 40 thrilling rides and attractions, live shows and concerts, 100 demonstrating resident craftsmen, and a wide variety of dining and shopping options. At this time of year, Silver Dollar City is decked out with more than 6.5 million lights for the annual event known as “An Olde Time Christmas.” The celebration features the “Christmas in Midtown Light Spectacular” with more than an acre of LED lights and some displays as high as nine stories. There are 30 miles of lights leading to the new $26 million Time Traveler, reportedly the fastest, steepest and tallest complete-circuit spinning roller coaster in the world. Rudolph’s Holly Jolly Christmas Light Parade winds through the park twice nightly. Rudolph, as grand marshal, leads the parade of nine musical, lighted floats, illuminated with 200,000 LED lights and accompanied by 45 colorful costumed characters. “An Old Time Christmas” also includes musical productions of “A Dickens’ Christmas Carol” and “It’s a Wonderful Life,” the latter in its final year. There is also a fivestory special effects Christmas tree, Tinker Junior’s Toy Shop, and living nativity.
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Silver Dollar City is open Wednesdays – Sunday through Dec. 30. Hours are 1-9 p.m. most days, with some extended hours. The park will also be open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day for a “New Year’s Celebration.” Silver Dollar City also operates the Showboat Branson Belle which sets sail daily on Table Rock Lake. Holiday season cruises run through Dec. 30, with special New Year’s Eve cruises on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. Santa’s Pancakes & PJs cruises are offered at 9 a.m. and noon on select Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 23. Santa’s Pancakes & PJs cruises give children a chance to dress in their favorite holiday PJs and go on a Christmas adventure aboard the ship’s four decks. Costumed elves and fairies greet the kids at Sugar Plum Fairy Sweet Stops and face painting stations with the Showboat captain delivering stories and gifts in the Wheelhouse. Along with entertainment in the dining theater, there is a pancake breakfast and cookie decorating demonstration. Grab a photo with Santa on the dock. The Branson Belle’s Christmas show presents music from the ’60s to today, as well as holiday favorites. Relive great movie soundtrack moments from Grease and
Footloose or Frozen and enjoy the footwork of the Deckhands. Dining options include a three-course meal featuring slow-cooked pot roast and honey-citrus chicken, salad and sides, followed by lemon berry ice cream pie. Premium dining options are available. For more information, visit www.showboatbransonbelle.com or call 800-775-BOAT (2628). Not up for song and dance numbers? Visit the Main Street Marina for a trip on the Lake Queen or Landing Princess. The Lake Queen, a modern-day replica of the grand riverboats that once explored the White River, gives daily sightseeing and lunch cruises through Dec. 8. After a two-week break for Christmas, dinner cruises on board the Landing Princess resume from Dec. 26-31. Take in beautiful Lake Taneycomo and learn facts and history about the historic Branson waterfront. Late romance novelist Janet Dailey’s home is just one of several houses one will see. If one is in the mood for more historic homes, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home & Museum is just an hour north of Branson in Mansfield, Mo. Main Street Marina is located just steps from Branson Landing. It features dozens of shops and restaurants. Anchors include Belk and Bass Pro Shops, and guests can even stay at the on-site Hilton Promenade. Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen, the Jimmy Buffet-theme Landshark Bar & Grill, and Andy B’s Entertainment Center all plan to open at Branson Landing within the coming year. Another popular Christmas destination is the Branson Scenic Railway’s Polar Express train ride. The railway offers a 40-mile round trip excursion through the Ozark foothills. Passengers embark from the historic 1906 train depot downtown on railcars tracing back decades. Dome cars and coach seating are available with each car offering a unique experience. Inspired by the 1985 holiday classic, The Polar Express train ride features a reading of the story along with sounds and carols from the hit movie soundtrack. All passengers receive complimentary hot cocoa and cookies, with premium ticket holders enjoying unlimited refills in a souvenir ceramic mug. Families are encouraged to wear pajamas like the characters in the story. The Polar Express ride is offered at least twice per day through Dec. 23. Tickets can be purchased online at bransontrain.com and start at $34 for children (ages 2-12) and $44 for adults. First class tickets are $49 for children and $59 for adults, with premium dome seating prices at $59 for children and $69 for adults. Seating is limited, and rides will sell out. For more information, visit www.polarexpressride.com.
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SMALL-TOWN ROOTS, BIG WORLD IMPACT Story by Jason Niblett | Photographs courtesy of Katina Rankin
Katina Rankin, a native of Magee, is an Emmy-nominated journalist. Although her roots were in a small city, she’s done great things. Now a news anchor in Memphis, Tennessee, she spends a great deal of her time writing and helping to improve the lives of impoverished children. “I’m proud to call Mississippi home,” Rankin explained. “I’m even prouder to say I grew up in Magee. Those two places on the map formed me into the person I am today. “Growing up in a loving home in Magee, Mississippi taught me my values, my morals, my character. More importantly, my Magee family taught me to always stand for what’s right, whether that puts you in the minority or not. My Magee family always taught me to reach back and help someone even if that someone is a continent away, always give back in your own special way.” She received her bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Alcorn State University (ASU) and her master’s degree in broadcast journalism from Jackson State University (JSU). While attending ASU, Katina began her journalism career as an intern at WLBT. After six years on the air in Mississippi, Katina’s career led her to Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, where she co-anchored the main newscast at Eyewitness News. During her journalism career, Katina has covered everything from the Mississippi murder trials of Byron De La Beckwith and Sam Bowers to the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster in Texas. She has featured local Miss America Pageant contestants by following them to Atlantic City, and she has traveled to San Antonio for the Final Four tournaments. Katina’s daily reports about the impact of Hurricane Katrina included an in-depth interview with Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour. Additionally, she interviewed notable figures and broke many stories in the lacrosse rape investigation at Duke University in North Carolina. Katina has also interviewed former NAACP president Myrlie Evers, presi-
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dential candidate John Edwards, the late Rosa Parks, the Reverend Jesse Jackson, the Reverend Al Sharpton, basketball greats Magic Johnson and Charles Barkley, and blues legend B.B. King. Katina distinguished herself as a journalist by earning several news awards including an Emmy nomination.
KATINA RANKIN www.katinarankin.com
Author of “Up North, Down South: City Folk Meet Country Folk”, “Emmett Till: Sometimes Good Can Come Out Of A Bad Situation”, “Medgar Evers: He Taught His Kids To Crawl So We Could Stand” and “March On Children! The Story of James Meredith’s March Against Fear.” Available on katinarankin.com, amazon.com, Mid-South Kroger Stores, Mid-South Sam’s Clubs, the National Civil Rights Museum’s Gift Shop, and Two Mississippi Museum Gift Shop.
www.facebook.com/katinarankinofficial/ www.facebook.com/473745379310898/ posts/2149466708405415/ Founder of Katina’s Klassroom, a 501c3 Non-profit.
After more than 17 years in broadcast and print media, Katina felt entrepreneurial. She founded Katina Rankin Enterprises (KRE), a public relations firm. Katina’s public relations work took her to three countries: Israel, Egypt, and Palestine. During her travels, Katina interviewed world peace advocate and recording artist Fred Nassiri and the Governess of Bethlehem, Palestine Salah Al-Ta’mari - just to name a few. Katina’s passion is helping people. She has given back to the community by speaking to hundreds of church groups, schools and universities through the years. Katina believes proper training can help individuals realize their potential and help them get to the next level. In addition to giving back to the community, Katina has taught writing classes at Jackson State University, and she has given the commencement address at Alcorn State University. Katina has also been featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, the National Association of Black Journalists, and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Katina has been named Mississippi’s Woman of the Year, Shero of the Year and Mid-South Influencer for her work with women and children. She is also founder of Katina’s Klassroom, a 501(c) (3) non-profit, that focuses on literacy and food insecurity for children in low income areas. Notably, Katina has authored and published Up North, Down South: City Folk Meet Country Folk, a children’s book. The Up North, Down South: City Folk Meet Country Folk Coloring and Activity book was released in mid-December 2016. Ken-
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dall’s Kitchen: Healthy and Hearty Recipes for Kids is the sequel to UNDS. Katina’s children’s civil rights books: Emmett Till: Sometimes Good Can Come Out of a Bad Situation was published in June 2018; Medgar Evers: He Taught His Kids to Crawl so We Could Stand was published in July 2018, and March on Children! The Story of James Meredith’s March Against Fear was published in August 2018. All books are available on amazon.com. “When I first began writing children’s books, I had a simple slogan: ‘With Books You Can Go Places! #READ. Who knew two years later, GOD would lead me to Jamestown, Ghana in Africa to a little school called Noyaa Academy where the children have no running water or electricity. The shoes and clothes they wear, right down to the underwear are used and donated? I’ve adopted all 130 children, and I ask you to join me through my nonprofit, Katina’s Klassroom, to give these children a better way of life. I’ve created a Facebook page where you can donate to help me in my mission,” Rankin said.
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“It is my Magee values that taught me one person can make a difference. A community can change the world. Join me in changing the lives of Noyaa children. Noyaa is a Gaa word that means progress, move forward. We can help them move forward together.”
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SAVVY WOMEN HELPING TO STRENGTHEN THEIR HOMETOWN Story by Lindsay Buffington Purdum | Photographs by Jason Niblett
A group of women entrepreneurs are working to not only stabilize their hometown, but make it thrive. Sure, they may be in competition with each other, but they also share a common goal: Bring more people and shoppers to downtown Mendenhall. As they work to get more traffic into downtown, they know this will benefit not only their own shops, but all the others, too. Conveniently located off U.S. Highway 49 in Simpson County, Mendenhall is in a prime location for shopping. A quick trip downtown will make one feel like stepping back to a simpler time, but this town is far from simple and its citizens are making advancements for small businesses and women… yes, women. Three of Mendenhall’s most successful businesses downtown are all run by women: Stephens of Mendenhall, Darling & Distressed, and Tags Consignment. Stephens of Mendenhall has been serving Simpson County for more than 80 years. The store has survived through World War II and has continued to thrive while the world around it continues to change. Although the name has changed slightly over the years, the store’s mission to provide quality items locally and at affordable prices has continued through the decades. Stephens is known for being a “high touch store.” If one walks in the front doors, they’re greeted by smiling faces that are ready and willing to help anyone find the prefect outfit for any occasion. Christy Stephens Rotenberry is synonymous in town with Stephens of Mendenhall. Christy had a desire to continue the family business and obtained a marketing degree from Southern Methodist University in Dallas to provide her with the skills she would need for continued
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success at Stephens. Combining large cities’ (such as Dallas) fashion with home-town, family friendly values made Stephen’s a continued success that will be around for years to come. “One thing Stephens’ is not is a serve yourself store,” Rotenberry said. “We always try to be available with advice and assistance to offer service and a pleasant touch. It’s important to help please each customer in finding that special item just for her. I love Mendenhall and want to see it continue to grow. It’s exciting seeing these younger women opening businesses.” The store’s success can be attributed to hard work and a desire to continue to make Mendenhall home for her family. Christy and her daughter, Rebecca Rotenberry, are currently overseeing the downtown business which has more than 1,700 followers on Facebook and now offers woman’s clothing, baby’s clothing, jewelry, Merle Norman Cosmetics, and a bridal registry. Darling & Distressed is owned by Madison Morgan Magee. With more than 1,300 followers on Facebook and an-
other 2,000 followers on Instagram, Darling and Distressed is taking the social media shopping experience by storm. Madison has been shipping pieces of Mendenhall through online shopping. D&D, as the locals call it, offers a variety of clothing (baby, teen, women’s and men’s) and gifts. Although a huge part of Darling & Distress’s success has been through social media, Madison has a desire to not only provide a service in Mendenhall, but a service for Mendenhall as well. Darling and Distressed is in the old Mendenhall Grocery & Grain building. Madison, along with family and friends, have renovated the old building. The shop proudly boasts the original wood floors, taking one back to 1928. This “one stop shop” provides modern style and convenience while preserving the building’s historic characteristics. Originally located in the Old Palmyra Store (an old women’s clothing shop), Tags Consignment (known as Tags to locals) has expanded and is now located in the former J. Grant’s Menswear Store. Tags has quickly become a successful business. The owners, Hannah Bar-
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nard and Ancy Rushing, frequented the consignment circuit. Both women had a desire to not only save time, but money. Consignment was not only convenient, but it was a responsible way of clothing their children. Hannah and Ancy began their business by focusing on their home and the vision of Tags Consignment came to life in February of 2018. “Being on Main Street in Mendenhall has been great. I am thankful that God has blessed us, the store, and this town. Being a working mom in a small town is something that people can relate to here. Mendenhall is supportive of women in business, but honestly, I think they’re supportive of families that are willing to continue to breathe life and love into Mendenhall. In the end, everyone wants to see Simpson County grow and prosper. I am thankful that I can be part of the story of continued growth,� Barnard said. Through innovative thinking and providing a service that potentially helps their customers make money, Tags is sure to continue to grow and prosper. Tags is unique in that the customer has an opportunity to make money. Customers can not only shop new and gently used clothes, but they can sell items to the store as well. This innovative business plan is sure to make Tags a continued success. Mendenhall has embraced women in business, and these businesses embrace Mendenhall. In the South, there are two things people attribute success to: Faith and Family. For these businesses, they attribute their success to Faith, Family, and Home. Come home to small town, Mississippi. Shop Simpson County first.
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JANUARY 10 Opening Reception: Guardians of the Flame: the Mardi Gras Indian themaryc.org Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center of Arts & Education 1600 Government St, Ocean Springs, 818-2878 Cost: free, donations welcome Time: 5:30-7pm
JANUARY 10-13 Vintage Market
facebook.com/VintageFlamingoMS Vintage Flamingo, 2701 14th Ave Gulfport, 363-0795 Time: Thursday & Saturday 9am-6pm Friday 9am-7pm Sunday 11am-6pm
JANUARY 1-4 Southern States Indie FanFilmFest
Palace Casino Resort, 158 Howard Ave | Biloxi Cost: $25 per person – three day pass $10 per person per day Time: Tuesday 6-9pm Wednesday-Thursday 9am-9pm Friday 9am-10pm southernstatesindiefanfilmfest.com
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JANUARY 19 Annual Amateur Photo Competition for Adults & Children
01/19/2019 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Hattiesburg Cultural Center 723 Main St., Hattiesburg 39401 Join Hattiesburg Arts Council for their annual Amateur Photo Competition for Adults and Children! The exhibit is free and open to the public. Entry fee $5 per photo, limit of 5 per person, cash prizes available.
JANUARY 19 Rodeo Of The Mid-South
Landers Center @ 7 pm 4560 Venture Dr. Southaven, MS38671 Box Office: 662-470-2131 http://www.landerscenter.com
JANUARY 21 Unforgettable: Celebrating the Nat King Cole Centennial
7:30 PM - 10:00 PM Admission: $25 Nathaniel Adams Coles was born in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1919. In 1937 he became known as Nat “King” Cole. In the early fifties, he began to conquer the charts with ballads like “Mona Lisa,” “Love,” “Smile,” and “When I Fall in Love.”
In 1990, he received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 1991, his daughter, Natalie, recorded “Unforgettable” as a duet with her father, which won seven Grammy awards! Join performers David Walker and Latisha Hamilton as we celebrate the centennial of the birth of one of America’s musical icons. Duling Hall | 622 Duling Ave | Jackson, MS
JANUARY 25 - FEBRUARY 3 The Diary of Anne Frank
gulfportlittletheatre.net/glt_current_show Gulfport Little Theatre 2600 13th Ave, Gulfport, 864-7983 Cost: $16 adults, senior/military $13, children $11 Time: Friday-Saturday 7:30pm Sunday 2pm
FEBRUARY 12 “Fill Your Heart with Art”
HAC smART Space Interactive Exhibit 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Hattiesburg Cultural Center 723 Main St., Hattiesburg 39401 “Fill Your Heart with Art” - A smART Space interactive exhibit with hands-on Valentine gift making for children and adults. Free and open to the public.
Tickets are available at the door, by phone at 601.960.2300, or online at msopera.org/season-tickets/ticket-instructions. Admission: $25
This project is supported in part by funding from the MS Arts Commission, a state agency and in part, from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. The Cabaret@Duling Hall series is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi. msopera.org | www.dulinghall.com 601-292-7121
JANUARY 25 Mr. Atticus’s Night Market
Mockingbird Café @ 6 - 9 pm 110 South Second St, Bay St. Louis mockingbirdcafe.com 601-467-8383
MAKE YOUR PLANS NOW
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