26th Annual Artesia Day Festival Celebrations Begin in Full Swing
The small town of Artesia in Lowndes County is brimming with excitement as the 26th annual Artesia Day Festival commenced on Thursday. Known to host one of Mississippi’s biggest festivals, Artesia’s week-long merriment draws a large number of visitors from all around, thus justifying its trending tagline – “We are the small town that does big things”.
Origins of the Festival
Interestingly, the festival traces back its roots to another celebrated event – the Artesia Hay Festival. Alderwoman Mamie Johnson recalls, “It started with Artesia Hay Festival and later down through the years when the Mayor Jimmy Sanders became the mayor, and then we had it changed to Artesia Day.”
City Clerk Tresa Sanders, discussing the idea behind the colossal festival, mentioned their desire to give back to the community. Their initiative has proved successful, effectively luring back people who have scattered far and wide over the years. This noble effort aims at igniting a sense of nostalgia and camaraderie among the former residents, urging them to return for this event every year.
Flocking Back Home
Johnson further elaborates on the motive behind the event, saying, “That’s the purpose of the event to bring family and friends back together ones that have left and moved away years and years ago they all come back from Michigan, Ohio, Missouri, and different places. They come back for this event every year.”
On the festival’s most awaited days, the town witnesses a surge of approximately 12,000 people. Artesia, known for its close-knit community, always looks forward to welcoming its prodigal citizens. Featuring hearty family reunions and people coming together, the essence of Artesia Day resonates in its homely vibe, as Sanders fondly states, “We are a family here in this small town, everyone knows everyone, and for people to come back home, it really feels good to see your family again and come all together on these days we are here.”
Round-the-Clock Revelry
The festivities aligning with the Artesia Day event will continue from August 1st through 4th. With countless visitors, both old and new, swarming to attend the grandeur, Artesia Day proves its significance as a charming blend of tradition and modern-day community bonding, thereby making the small town of Lowndes County stand out on the map of Mississippi.
