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MOSS POINT—Picture it…the scent of southern barbeque floating over the riverfront park and the sounds of Mississippi Blues filling the background space as a celebration of hospitality, food and music takes the stage in downtown Moss Point.

When people talk about the soundtrack of America, Mississippi is always playing in the background. The Magnolia State gave birth to the blues, nurtured gospel and soul, and shaped the rhythms of country and rock. You can’t talk about American music without talking about Mississippi.

Smith Park in downtown Jackson, Mississippi, was established in 1838 when the state donated the land to the city. Named after Scottish industrialist James Smith, who donated money for a park fence in 1884, the park underwent a redesign in the 1970s, which included the addition of an amphitheater and an artificial stream. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976 and declared a Mississippi Landmark in 2017. 

Mississippi has always been known for its rich cultural heritage, its stories, and its people who turn everyday life into something extraordinary. Now, that legacy will take center stage on a national level as our state heads to Pasadena for the 137th Rose Parade on January 1, 2026. The theme? “Where Creativity Blooms.” And if there’s one thing Mississippi knows well, it’s creativity.

Every September, Jackson’s historic streets and stately trees come alive with one of my favorite celebrations of the year—the Mississippi Book Festival. Known affectionately as the “literary lawn party,” this gathering is more than an event; it’s a love letter to stories, storytellers, and the people who cherish them.

“Video Killed the Radio Star” may have been the very first music video aired when MTV launched in 1981—but long before that iconic moment, a Mississippi native was already laying the groundwork for what would become a cultural revolution. No, MTV didn’t start in Mississippi, but our state had everything to do with its creation, thanks to Jackson-born Bob Pittman.

Karli Matthews, a middle school student at Lee Academy in Clarksdale, has been named Mississippi’s state champion for the National Civics Bee®. 

Labor Day is right around the corner, and I think I speak for all of us when I say that a break is very much needed. Thankfully, you can spend your Labor Day weekend exploring one (or more) of the greatest destinations Mississippi has to offer. Here are the top five destinations I’d recommend. 

On Friday, August 22, 2025, a powerful reminder of community compassion will unfold as Operation Warm Heart donates 40 comfort kit boxes to the Biloxi Fire and Police Departments. Twenty kits will be presented to each department during a special ceremony that will bring together first responders, local officials, and community leaders.

A comprehensive master plan has been recently completed for a new 15-acre district featuring a boutique hotel, restaurants and retail stores on the land between the MSU campus and the Cotton District, developers announced Aug. 20. It is to be named the Crossroads District.

Regardless of the scorching temperatures in Mississippi, it is never too early to start discussing fall fashion and daydreaming about our future fabulous fall outfits. Each new year brings in new fashion trends and endless styling possibilities. Below are five fashion trends to look out for this fall.

The 2025 CrossFit Games have concluded, crowning the Fittest Man and Woman on Earth. But the quest for the fittest in the world isn’t over. The Teenage CrossFit Games 2025 (athletes aged 14-17) will be held in Columbus, Ohio, from August 21-24, at the Columbus Convention Center, along with the Masters CrossFit Games (athletes aged 35 and older), organized by Legends. Mississippi will be sending an athlete in two categories to compete against athletes of their age from around the world. 

In case you have not figured it out yet, balloon arches are a must-have item for all celebrations and important events. 

Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a baby gender reveal, a wedding shower, a graduation party, or a corporate event, the appropriate balloon arch is the piéce de résistance.

Back to school means back to fast-paced schedules and dinner plans staying up in the air. Even though today’s busy lifestyle makes eating together a challenge, it’s worth the effort, even if it’s a few times a week. Studies show that eating with others offers numerous benefits, including nutritional, health, social, and mental advantages. When it’s families that gather around the table together to eat regularly, research supports that it can reduce the risk of depression, eating disorders, and substance abuse, while increasing self-esteem and resilience in children.

Mississippi’s education ranking has climbed to 16th in the nation – the state’s highest ranking ever – according to the 2025 KIDS COUNT Data Book released this summer. 

Mississippi may be daydreaming of pumpkin spice and cool breezes, but don’t pack up those fans and umbrellas just yet. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, fall 2025 in the Magnolia State is shaping up to be a scorcher—with a twist of unpredictability.