With music, food and hopefully a big group of people, swaying and singing happy-birthday, this weekend appears to mark the beginning of bicentennial celebrations around the state.
In both the northern and southern parts of the state folks are celebrating and getting ready to celebrate and reflect on the states history and its future.
This weekend at the Centennial Plaza in Gulfport, a two day celebration will take place featuring a free concert by the Grammy award winning group The Band Perry.
“We are honored to celebrate the 200th anniversary of statehood with world-renowned musicians who make Mississippi’s music known around the globe,” said Gov. Phil Bryant. “With blues, gospel, rock ‘n’ roll and country music from our greatest songwriters and performers, this concert represents all Mississippians.”
The Band Perry will perform Saturday night.
Also performing at the event will be Grammy nominee Vasti Jackson, recording artist Paul Thorn and Jaimoe’s Jassz Band, featuring Gulfport native and Allman Brothers Band drummer Jaimoe Johnson.
In other parts of the state, like northern Mississippi’s Desoto County,
local folks and municipalities are getting ready for their own shindigs.
The M.R. Davis Southaven Library is planning a photography exhibit, while in Olive Branch a large mural is being constructed for Old Towne which is expected to depict the areas history.
Also planning events in Desoto County are the Chickasaw Trails Association and the Desoto County Museum.
Mississippi became the 20th state in December 1817.
Photo provided by Visit Mississippi
