Have you ever wondered about Lyon, Mississippi? This charming town, nestled in Coahoma County, with a population of just 259, is a world unto itself. We are not just ‘Lyon.’
The small town is named after the French city of Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. With Clarksdale nearby, there’s not much to do in the tiny town of Lyon. However, they have still made their mark in the Magnolia State with delicious carnival food and a giant SpongeBob sign that can be seen for miles off Highway 61.
The Magnolia State is known for its mouthwatering cuisine, but the joy of fair food is a fleeting pleasure reserved for the state fair. However, in Lyon, you can revel in classic carnival food all year round, courtesy of Carnival Treats.
The fair-inspired eatery includes funnel cakes, gourmet popcorn, fried Oreos, snow cones, and other carnival favorites. At fairs and carnivals, funnel cakes are among the most popular treats served, and the same can be said for Carnival Treats, which whips up nearly two dozen varieties of the classic cake. Putting a tasty twist on the fair favorite, Carnival Treats tops its specialty funnel cakes with fruits like strawberries and bananas, cereal like Froot Loops and Cocoa Puffs, candy like M&M’s and gummy bears, cookies like Oreos and chocolate chip, and more.
In addition to sweet treats, the iconic yellow shop offers delicious food, such as foot-long cheesesteak sandwiches and stuffed monster potatoes. There’s something for everyone at Carnival Treats — and you can skip the long fair lines and crowds, too!
Owner Dave Houston opened Carnival Treats in 2019 and people have returned for more ever since!
“People love it. They come from all over to eat our food. We’ve had customers from Isreal to Oxford and everywhere in between,” Houston said.
Carnival Treats is a family-owned and operated business, with all hands on deck.
“I want people to know that this business is run by our family, not just me. My wife Kimberly and I work together, and our daughter, Kimoree, is the master of all the gourmet snowcones, while our other daughter, Malia, is the master of the gourmet funnel cakes,” Houston continued. “We also have a food truck, so we can go all over the area and serve others that way. Our son, Davarius, runs the foodtruck.”
Perched along a secluded stretch of Highway 61, Carnival Treats has etched Lyon onto the map. It’s not just a stop; it’s a unique road trip detour that promises adventure and culinary delights.
“Carnival Treats has brought attention to this area. Many people stop here on their way into Clarksdale. In fact, we are in the process of offering a Blues brand gourmet popcorn line, where different popcorn will be named after Blues artists from this area. Proceeds of each sale will go to the artists’ family members in our area,” Houston shared.
Don’t let the rural setting deter you. With its vibrant exterior and a 15-foot-tall SpongeBob welcoming you at the front, plus some dancing Minions, Carnival Treats is a sight to behold. It’s a place you simply can’t miss. The Houston family continues to put Lyon on the map as a food destination in one of Missisisppi’s smallest towns.
All photos for this story were provided by Carnival Treats.
