MAY 2016
MAY 2016
ON THE COVER Popsy gourmet frozen treats, such as these banana-blueberry pops, are popular summer snacks made with fresh local ingredients. photographed by Joe Worthem
IN EVERY ISSUE
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INVITATION TUPELO | May 2016
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Letter From the Publisher
8
What’s Happening
10
Community Corner
12
In Season: Crawfish
68
Out and About
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Tupelo Spirit: Chance Beck
FEATURES 32 Tupelo Classic In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Coca-Cola Bottling Works, the family who helped bring the company to Tupelo are sharing their memorabilia collection with the community.
36 Hello, Summer The official start of summer is a month away, but why wait? Use this list to start planning what to do when the days get warmer.
44 Birthplace of a King The ever-evolving Elvis Presley Birthplace is a destination for both locals and tourists.
48 Hope in Bloom Two years after the tornado devastated their land, the Moores’ family home is nearly rebuilt, and their thousands of trees and plants are blooming again.
EVENTS 14
North Mississippi Symphony
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Winter Jam Concert
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Junior Auxiliary Charity Ball
20
Unite Grant Awards Dinner
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Bud and Burgers
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Gumtree Museum Gala
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Tupelo Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty
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Denim and Diamonds
30
Blue Mountain College Gala
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NOleput Festival
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Disney’s Aladdin Kids
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Rebel Road Trip
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Color Vibe 5K
60
I Love the ’90s Concert
63
Mary Poppins
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Up Together Conference May 2016 | INVITATION TUPELO
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THE PUBLISHER
I
t’s almost summer. For my family, this means I’ve already started planning our summer getaway. The most difficult part of traveling is the prep work – deciding where to go and setting the budget. My husband’s bags are always packed before anyone else’s, but when it comes to planning the trip, that’s up to me. “You decide and let me know,” he’ll say. And then with a kind smile, “You’re better at that kind of thing and you do a great job.” And I love the job – I’ll determine our price range, research places on the internet and look for a destination we’ve never been. It’s a thorough process and takes some time, but in the end, it always pays off when we have another memorable family vacation. But for the majority of the summer, we’re not traveling but rather enjoy spending hot summer days at home. We’ll have a neighbor-
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INVITATION TUPELO | May 2016
hood lemonade stand or spend the day swimming at the pool. We’ll enjoy a backyard picnic and eat sandwiches and drink cold Coca-Colas. Summer is the best time to enjoy family and friends, rest, relax and remember what it was like to be a child. So this summer we’ve found some fun and exciting things for you and your family to do nearby that won’t cost a bundle. On page 36 you’ll see our summer lineup of festivals, fairs and much more. The Neshoba County Fair is one of my family’s favorites. It’s not a long drive to Philadelphia, Mississippi, and it’s certainly worth the day trip to enjoy carnival rides, eat funnel cakes and take in the atmosphere of “Mississippi’s Giant Houseparty.” And if you want to stay right here in town and enjoy some local history, make your way to the Tupelo Automobile Museum and enjoy
an exhibit celebrating the 100th anniversary of Tupelo’s Coca-Cola Bottling Works. The display will feature Coca-Cola memorabilia along with a restored 1929 delivery truck. Read more about it on page 32. Also keep a eye out next month for our very first combined Invitation Oxford and Invitation Tupelo bridal issue, on stands June 15. You won’t want to miss this amazing and beautiful magazine featuring weddings of north Mississippi. Until then, take a few minutes to ride a Tilt-a-Whirl or relax with a cold Coke on a hot day, and enjoy the start of your summer.
RACHEL M. WEST, PUBLISHER
publishers
Phil and Rachel West
editorial
EDITOR IN CHIEF Emily Welly CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Lena Anderson EVENTS EDITOR Mary Moreton STAFF WRITER Melanie Crownover COPY EDITOR Kate Johnson CONTRIBUTING WRITER Toni Overby
advertising
ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Jennifer Bolton Alise M. Emerson Leigh Lowery Lynn McElreath Stacey Raper Moni Simpson Whitney Worsham ADVERTISING DESIGNERS Becca Bailey Zach Fields
art
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Hallie Thomas STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Lisa Roberts Joe Worthem CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Chasity Dees Sue Elam Sarah Oliver Whitney Worsham
production
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Emily Suber
office
BUSINESS MANAGER Hollie Hilliard COMPTROLLER Julie Clark DISTRIBUTION Donald Courtney Brian Hilliard MAIN OFFICE (662) 234-4008 ADVERTISING INFORMATION ads@invitationtupelo.com
To subscribe to one year (10 issues) of Invitation Tupelo or to buy an announcement, visit invitationtupelo.com. To request a photographer at your event, email Mary at mary.invitation@gmail.com.
PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE
May 2016 | INVITATION TUPELO
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MAY 15-JUNE 15 NOW-8/27
Barnyard Finds Tupelo Automobile Museum brings dozens of yet-to-be-restored antique and classic cars out of hiding. Open Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.4:30 p.m., and Sunday, noon-4:30 p.m. 662-842-4242
5/20-21
Tupelo Hog Roast The annual Tupelo Hog Roast raises money for a variety of local charities. Friday 5 p.m.-midnight; Saturday 11 a.m.5 p.m. and live music until 11 p.m. VFW, 1748 Mitchell Road. 662-213-4606
6/2-5 Tupelo Elvis Festival Elvis Presley fans from around the country gather in Tupelo to celebrate the King. Includes a Sunday gospel concert, 5K race, pet parade, beauty pageant, tribute artist contest and more. For details and ticket information, visit tupeloelvisfestival.com.
6/6-7/8
Summer Day Camp Tupelo Department of Parks and Recreation hosts several weeks of summer day camp for children who have completed kindergartenfifth grade. Takes place at Church Street Elementary School. $45 per week for city residents; $50 per week for non-city residents. Register by calling 662-841-6440.
5/20-21
6/10-12
Tupelo and Lee County schools hold graduation ceremonies at BancorpSouth Arena. May 20, Tupelo High School, 7 p.m. May 21, Mooreville High School, 1 p.m. May 21, Shannon High School, 4 p.m. May 21, Saltillo High School, 7 p.m.
Thousands attend Tupelo Flea Market, held the second weekend of each month at Tupelo Furniture Market Buildings I and III. Admission $1, kids under age 6 free. tupelofleamarket.net
Congratulations, graduates!
Tupelo Flea Market
5/21
5/26
Bluegrass musicians and arts and crafts vendors gather on the banks of the Tallahatchie River for a festival that includes competitions in banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar and dobro. Tickets $5. Park Along the River, New Albany. visitnewalbany.com
Local nonprofit holds a designer purse auction to benefit the Fairy Godmother Project and Itawamba Community College’s scholarship endowment. Tickets $50. 6 p.m., Rooftop at Park Heights. To learn more, search for Mama’s Got a Brand New Bag on Facebook.
Mississippi Bluegrass Championship
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Mama’s Got a Brand New Bag
6/11
Music, Monet and Margaritas The Lyric Krewe holds its 13th annual street fiesta fundraiser for Tupelo Community Theatre. Takes place 7:30-11:30 p.m. on Broadway Street in front of the Lyric Theatre. Tickets, $25, include dinner and a drink. For more information, call 662-844-1935 or visit tct.ms.
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BUILDING BLOCKS
Are you looking for affordable building supplies? Do you have gently used home improvement items to donate? Building Blocks may be the answer. The organization is a charitable arm of the Learning Skills Center, a local nonprofit agency that provides remedial tutoring services to help children learn, stay in school and prepare for college. Fees for attending the center are based on family income. Money raised by Building Blocks through sales of new and gently used building materials and home goods provides supplies, pays for materials used in reading and math labs and funds need-based scholarships. “We started about 10 years ago, and we’ve grown into an affordable building-supply store,” said Kaye Lyle, the store’s manager. Homeowners, crafters and others working on do-it-yourself projects frequent the Building Blocks warehouse in search of materials. The store’s Facebook page – Building Blocks (ecofriendly building and home supply) – is regularly updated with available items and creative ways to use them. To keep those shoppers coming, Building Blocks encourages the donation of building materials and home goods that can be reused or repurposed, including doors, windows, light fixtures, landscaping stone, appliances and more. Tax-deductible donations can be dropped off at the warehouse, located at 3725 Cliff Gookin Blvd., during open hours, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Pickup service is also available for donations. For more information on the Learning Skills Center or Building Blocks, or to schedule a donation pickup, call 662-844-7327.
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CRAWFISH
written by Melanie Crownover photographed by Lisa Roberts
J
osh Logan has become a crawfish boil expert since he joined the Tupelo Hog Roasters 15 years ago. “They had a good recipe already when I came around, but I’ve added to it over the years until I got it where we like it,” Logan, now the organization’s president, said. Purchasing crawfish in this part of the
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state is a sport in itself that begins in late January to early March and lasts until the first heat of summer. Since they have to go through several middlemen before making it here from the coast, getting them at a reasonable cost is part of the game. Enjoying the mudbugs afterward is when the fun really begins.
“You can probably do them in a small pot on the stove, but we prefer a big pot outside with a propane burner and lots of friends,” Logan said. “You need about 2 to 3 pounds per person if they’re moderate-to-heavy crawfish eaters.” Getting the right equipment for cooking the freshwater crustaceans is easier now
that many retail stores have crawfish boil kits with a stainless steel pot, strainer and burner included. Logan typically uses a 30-quart pot for small batches and a 100-quart pot to boil crawfish for larger gatherings. Throwing in extras such as potatoes, corn, shrimp or even crab legs with boil seasoning – like Logan’s favorite “not too spicy, not too bland” choice of Zatarain’s Pro Boil – is a must, not only for flavor but also because it makes the feast go further. Logan says the longer the crawfish stew in the pot on no heat with the rest of the fixings after they’ve boiled for about five minutes, the better they’ll taste. When they’re ready, just break the shell at the neck joint, pull back the scales, pull at the tail, and enjoy the meat. “If you want to suck the head, go for it; otherwise, you can just throw them away,” Logan said. “The only other thing you need to go with them is a lot of beer. Good, cheap beer because you probably spent most of your money on the crawfish.”
Josh’s Crawfish Boil 1½ containers Zatarain’s Pro Boil seasoning Handful of ground cayenne pepper 8 pounds new potatoes, washed 18-20 small ears of corn, frozen 3-5 cloves garlic, peeled 6 lemons, halved 3-4 oranges, halved 4-5 onions, quartered Crawfish Smoked sausage, precooked Shrimp Fill a 100-quart pot three-fourths full of water. Add Zatarain’s Pro Boil and a handful of ground cayenne pepper. Add potatoes and corn, and bring the pot to a boil. Allow to boil about 10 minutes. Turn down the heat to avoid overflowing the pot. Add garlic, lemons, oranges and onions. Add crawfish. Bring the pot back to a boil, and boil 3-5 minutes. Turn the burner off. Add smoked sausage and shrimp. Allow the pot to sit, covered, for 20-30 minutes before serving. May 2016 | INVITATION TUPELO
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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.
NORTH MISSISSIPPI SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA The North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra presented Sacred Choral Traditions on March 26 at the Tupelo High School Performing Arts Center. The event featured soprano Nancy Maria Balach. photographed by Chasity Dees
Susan and Ashton Collins
Erin and Kylee Foster
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Meg Dudley and Mer Dodge
Anne Campbell and Pauline Wigginton
David Atkins, Jimmy Grisham and Don Shepherd
Chloe and Nico Guerra
Tony Tannehill, Leslie Geoghegan, Matthew Darling and Bob Lence
Alex and Melissa Jones
Tia and Addy Lambert
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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.
WINTER JAM CONCERT Winter Jam, one of the world’s largest Christian concert tours, was held March 31 at BancorpSouth Arena. The event featured performances by several musicians, including headliner King & Country. photographed by Chasity Dees
Midori and Zoe Moore
Takashi Moore and Trevor Reed
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Alexis Baskins and McKenzie Pate
Lucy Hill and Erin Matthews
Ashley Barron, Johnny Gillmore and Pam Burns
Jordan Denette and Callie Howell
Emma Johnson, Anna Randolph, Taylor Hall and Leah Brown
Meg Bramlett, Caleb Vance and Rebecca Sheffield
Paityn Fulgham and Sydney Benson
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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.
JUNIOR AUXILIARY OF CORINTH CHARITY BALL The 54th annual charity ball and golf tournament was presented by the Junior Auxiliary of Corinth April 1 and 2 at Hillandale Country Club. This year’s theme was inspired by the Kentucky Derby. photographed by Whitney Worsham
Bart and Dawn Doran
Madeline Shirley, Millie Hill and Paige Bradley
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Aswyn Floyd and Katie Beth Corbin
Kakie Jeter, Hallie Jones and Allison Hall
Jason Smith and Clifford Burcham
Sierra Maness and Deanna King
Hallie Jones and Morgan Williams
Shea Tyson, Michelle Brooks and Prentiss Butler
Laura Kate Carmichiel and Phyllis Rogers
Antares Gwyn, Tairek Johnson and Quentin Patterson
namesJohn names D. names Merciernames and Taylor namesCoombs names names
names Camp namesPittman names names and Ronald names Windsor names names
Kimberlee Fair, Haley Moore and Amanda Coburn
Jamie and Jay Jones
Flint and Kelli Northcutt with Brian and Julie Shirley
Amy Flora, Laura Beth Trapp, Carley Matthews and Claire Windsor
Ben Ferrell, Rob Jeter, John David Sanders and Kalin Burcham
Sheila Gardner, Madelynn Lynch and Mark Gardner
Chip Farris, Jason Motts, Michael Tull and Josh Tull
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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.
UNITE GRANT AWARDS PRESENTATION DINNER The community foundation Union County/New Albany Initiative to Excel raised more than $20,000 at its annual grant benefit dinner on March 31 at the Hillcrest Church. photographed by Lisa Roberts
Tally Riddell and Greg Pirkle
Sam and Abby Wiseman with Hunter Hodges and Nathan Catt
Susan Morris with Johnny and Beverly Anderson
Andrea and Moises Lemus with Collett Cross
Emily and Win Tucker
Ann and David Holmes with Libby Harrison
Windy Faulkner and Betty King
Destin Bryant, Ivy Jordan and Tyler Dickens
Tommy and Dot Shannon
Sam and Barbara Creekmore
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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.
BUD AND BURGERS COMPETITION Mitchell Distributing and the Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association held a “Best Burger in Tupelo” cook-off April 1 on Broadway Street. The event benefited the region’s Boys & Girls Clubs. photographed by Lisa Roberts
Kathryn Rhea and Maddin McCord
Kristina Enlow with Skye and Rosalind Kinard and Cinda Medcalf
Robert Porter, Randy Pickens and Steve Porter
Alex Farned, Denny Waite, Deana Carlock and Leigh Ann Mattox
Greg Gillespie and Cindy Waters
R.L. Stafford and William Dexter
Vickie Lindsey, Zell Long and Susan McMahan
Marty Brown, Craig Helmuth and Cheryl Henning
Ken Dale and Noelle McGraw
Nicholas Rice and Megan Pannell
Amanda and Kevin Brown
Addy and Dustin Devers
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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.
GUMTREE MUSEUM OF ART GALA This year’s GumTree Museum of Art gala, For the Love of Art, was held April 2 at Tupelo Country Club. The fundraiser featured a buffet dinner, live music and a silent art auction. photographed by Lisa Roberts
Michael and Lauren Ashley
Bill Robinson and Betty Caldwell
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Whitney and Jason Beck
Chelsea Wildmon and Gina Yarbrough
Rud and Debra Robison
Bob Boyd and Wanda Todd
Linkie Marais with Koos and Antoinette Badenhorst
Carol Etheridge and Butch Guest
Gabrielle Cooper and Susan Sims
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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.
TUPELO BALLET PRESENTS SLEEPING BEAUTY Tupelo Ballet performed Sleeping Beauty on April 2 at the Tupelo High School Performing Arts Center. The event included a cast tea party and a special performance for area schools. photographed by Lisa Roberts
Lexie Yancey and Presley Shafer
Caroline Burleson and Eloise Young
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Anna Calhoun and Mollie Clark Hudson
Carrie Rakestraw and Lydia Asters
Diana Tackitt and Anna Kirk Presley
Sleeping Beauty cast and friends
Ashley and Adelyn Jarrett with Janet Smart
Cara Elizabeth Smart and Laylaih Campbell
Kalyn Lake and Alice Fagan
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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.
DENIM AND DIAMONDS FUNDRAISER A benefit for Crossroads Ranch was held April 2 at Sheffield Manor in Fulton. The event raised more than $65,000 for the nonprofit community, which assists adults with developmental disabilities. photographed by Lisa Roberts
Zachary and Lynsey Vanstory
Lynette Weatherford and Greta Stockton
Clara Brown and Shannon B. Falls
Mary Ann Elmore with Kathy and Randy West
Emily and Brian Quinn with Debbie and David Brown and Steve Thrasher
Christian and Becky Sheffield
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Renae Bennett and Susan Sheffield
Kevin Knight with Tanner and Abby Newman
Billy Snider, Allison Wallace and Tyler Dossett
Stephanie Smith and Tangela Turner
Carrie Jamerson and Joli Estes
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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.
BLUE MOUNTAIN COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP GALA Blue Mountain College held a scholarship gala on April 12 at BancorpSouth Arena, with Tim Tebow as the keynote speaker. Proceeds from the event will go to the school’s scholarship fund.
photographed by Lisa Roberts
Jackie and Anna Grace Ward
Anna Cayson and Norma Jean Estes
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Hillary Price and Daisy Smith
Jasmine Allen, Andrea Lewis, Parrish Tice, Bryana Davis and Kristen Milewski
Karla and Kasee Avery
Melinda Lindsey, Jency Justice and Rob Winters
Heath Sellers with Mary Beth and Janie Conway
Amy and Addie Priest
Morgan Petty and Trystan Hamilton
Meg Bramlett and Grace Thompson
Blair Ferguson and Anna Kate Moyers
Madison McCreless and Jennifer Mileski
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In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Coca-Cola Bottling Works, the family who helped bring the company to Tupelo are sharing their memorabilia collection with the community. written by Melanie Crownover photographed by Joe Worthem
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Collecting Coca-Cola memorabilia has been a tradition in Harry Lee “Sandy” Williams Jr.’s family since his grandfather, A.K. Weaver, bought interest in Corinth Bottling Works five generations ago. “We’re fortunate that we failed to discard a lot of things over the years, since anything Coca-Cola has a way of gravitating this way,” he said. “I have a saying that preservation is not far from hoarding, and I’ve been accused of the latter a time or two.” With Williams, his son, brother and two nephews currently in the family business, their extensive collection is still steadily growing. Their Corinth office is full of company history, including capital stock shares from the Tupelo operation signed by Weaver, a reproduction of an original syrup urn, a 1930s model delivery truck fit with miniature glass Coke bottles and a tray serving set from 1916. At the city museum, an entire room filled with family collectibles, from vintage CocaCola signs and bottles to a collection of antique Coke machines, shows visitors the town’s link to the soda giant.
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“We’re fortunate that we failed to discard a lot of things over the years, since anything Coca-Cola has a way of gravitating this way.” -Sandy Williams
Williams says even his home is full of souvenirs as décor, along with one barn and two warehouses for extra storage. “That’s where I keep some of the best stuff, and we’ve been going through to bring some of it out for the Tupelo celebration,” he said. This summer the Williamses plan to put in a six-month exhibit at the Tupelo Automobile Museum, showing part of the collection to honor Tupelo’s Coca-Cola Bottling Works on its 100th anniversary. The display features a 1929 restored delivery truck, in addition to smaller mementos, as well as an interactive touchscreen computer to scan and display pictures from the local plant – which still distributes beverages wholesale to stores and for special events. “Prior to its opening in 1916, product was shipped in to New Albany by train. We found my grandfather’s name on a contract from 1919,” Williams said. “The company really doesn’t make much like this anymore with social media and TV to advertise, so this is a way for us to thank all of our customers for their years of loyalty to our product.”
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The official start of summer is a month away, but why wait? Use this list to start planning what you and your family will do when the days get warmer. written by Melanie Crownover
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#1
Find your favorite festival
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF DOWNTOWN TUPELO MAIN STREET ASSOCIATION
Festival season starts early in this area. The GumTree Festival, Blue Suede Cruise and Dudie Burger Festival already kicked off the season’s festivities, but plenty more longstanding festivals fill the summer months. Here are a couple of popular options. The 18th annual Elvis Festival is held June 2-5 in downtown Tupelo. Every year, thousands of the King’s fans come to his hometown to celebrate his music, movies and influence. One of the largest draws is the preliminary round of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, held Thursday through Saturday nights. The competition pits dueling tribute artists against each other for the right to go to the next round during Elvis Week, held in August at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee. Family-friendly activities, musical entertainment and food vendors fill Fairpark for the event; Tupelo Automobile Museum hosts an exhibit of Elvis’ movie posters; and there’s a pet parade, a beauty pageant and the annual Running with the King 5K race. For more information, visit tupelo elvisfestival.com; for tickets visit bcsarena.com. Head to Corinth July 7-9 for the 29th annual Slugburger Festival, named for the city’s signature sandwich, which became a Depressionera staple when cooks added soy meal to burger meat, fried it and sold the sandwich for a nickel (then often called a slug). Visitors can try the sliders themselves or watch how many of them contestants can put down in the Major League Eating-sanctioned Slugburger Eating Contest. There’s also a Slug Idol competition for local singers, along with carnival rides and area bands that provide live entertainment nightly. For more information, visit mainstreetcorinth.com.
Cool down on a hot summer day with a frozen treat from the Popsy cart. All their products (such as the strawberrykiwi pops, pictured left) are made from fresh fruit and local ingredients. Check out #4, Share a Snack in the Shade, for more alfresco dining options on Food Truck Fridays at Fairpark.
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#2
PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM
throw on some skates
Make it a throwback summer by revisiting a local institution: Skate Zone. It isn’t the same rink many locals remember from the 1980s when it was Circus Skate Center. Since the business changed hands in 1997, the facility has been upgraded. The old hardwood floors are now covered in a urethane-coated concrete that doesn’t catch on skates. The step-down lip around the rink is gone, and the concession area got a makeover. There’s now a 13-game arcade area with a prize counter and six party rooms for birthdays. A black-light mural by former racecar painter Bob Nolan fills the back wall. Even the music doesn’t seem quite as loud. Skate Mate trainers (rolling supportive apparatuses made from PVC pipes) are available for younger skaters, who will find a less crowded rink Saturday mornings or on Sundays between 1 and 5 p.m. Parents are required to stay with children ages 9 and under. The rink usually opens for extra daytime hours during the summer, and specials – including $1 or $2 entry fees and a buffet night featuring free pizza with admission – are regularly offered. Search Skate Zone of Tupelo on Facebook for the current schedule and specials.
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#3
go to the fair
PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM
Nicknamed Mississippi’s Giant Houseparty, the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Mississippi, draws people from across the country every summer for a weeklong celebration of food, fun and family. Established in 1889, it was entered on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Events include an antique car parade, harness and horse race, rodeo, triathlon, arts and crafts show and the Miss Neshoba County pageant. Big-name performers Chris Janson, Jana Kramer and The Charlie Daniels Band are all scheduled to perform in 2016. Many stay as owners in one of the 598 cabins on the fairgrounds, but anyone can rent one of the 520 RV campsites. “We have people come out and stay the whole week or at least the weekend every year. It’s like a big family reunion,” said Doug Johnson, the fair’s vice president. Day passes or season passes are available. Parking is free, and children younger than age 9 get in free. For more information or tickets, visit neshobacountyfair.org.
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#4
PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM
share a snack in the shade
Fairpark starts weekends off right with Food Truck Fridays. Sample from Tupelo’s mobile restaurant, Local Mobile, for a picnic lunch at midday. Options span from po’boys, sliders and salads to their daily special. The Popsy cart also comes out during the warm months to bring fresh frozen treats to the crowd. There are picnic tables to accommodate, or you can share a bench beneath a flower-filled pergola while you eat. Stick around after your meal to snap a selfie with the Elvis statue, or play on the old-school merry-go-round, slide, swings and monkey bars that make this park a family favorite. To see what Local Mobile is planning for lunch, find them on Facebook. Call or text 615-337-2660 to place orders for pickup.
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#5
support local farmers
PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM
It’s busy season on local farms like Cherry Creek Orchards in Pontotoc. The Stark family grows apples, plums, blackberries, muscadines, scuppernongs, tomatoes and purple hull peas. But Cherry Creek is best known for its juicy Mississippi peaches, with more than 25 varieties growing on the premises. The family sell their yield to the public via farmers markets in Tupelo, Oxford, Hernando and New Albany in Mississippi; Collierville and Livingston in Tennessee; and New Orleans. To see what they’ll be selling, search for Cherry Creek Orchards on Facebook. To meet them and many other local farmers, stop by Tupelo Farmers’ Depot, open 4-7 p.m. Tuesdays and 6 a.m.-noon Thursdays and Saturdays. Find them on Facebook or call 662841-6598 for more information.
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#6
PHOTOGRAPHED BY LISA ROBERTS AND JOE WORTHEM
relax at the lake
About a mile outside of Saltillo, sun seekers can find an outdoor hideaway at Lake Lamar Bruce. The 300-acre lake, once known as Lake Lee, has been a part of the community since 1954. Campers will find plenty of accommodations for a weekend away in the woods, with 11 on-site RV camping pads with electrical and water hookups, and primitive areas around the lake where tents can go up. Grills and picnic tables also dot the grounds. Waterskiing is permitted on Thursdays and Sundays from noon to sunset, or anglers can fish for largemouth bass, bream, crappie and channel catfish. Four wooden piers and a boat ramp make lake access easy. Daily permits are required for camping and fishing, as is a fishing license. Check weekly fishing reports at mdwfp.com for accurate limits on the size or number of fish to be kept and tips on what’s currently biting.
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#7
find free family entertainment PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF DOWNTOWN TUPELO MAIN STREET ASSOCIATION
Having fun around town doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, there are free events for families all season long, from the free spray grounds in Veterans Park and Fairpark to music and movies. Tupelo’s free Down on Main summer concert series is held in Fairpark on the third Thursday of each month from July to September. This is the eighth year for the event, and if past talent is any indicator, it should be a good one. Big names and local favorites have played there every summer, from Marty Stuart and Paul Thorn to the North Mississippi All Stars and Kudzu Kings. Visit tupelodownonmain .com for more information. Tupelo Parks and Recreation hosts its Movies in the Park free summer movie series in Ballard Park, offering family-friendly flicks on an outdoor screen the last Saturday of June, July and August. There are always concessions available, so visitors only need to bring blankets or lawn chairs.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF MISSISSIPPI’S FINAL STANDS INTERPRETIVE CENTER AND BATTLEFIELDS
#8
celebrate history Mark the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service by stepping into the past at Brice’s Crossroads interpretive center and battlefield in Baldwyn. The permanent exhibit displays artifacts from the battle, including maps of the battlefield drawn in the 1860s, a 4-by-4foot model of the battlefield, weapons from bayonets to pistols and a mannequin dressed in Confederate uniform. There are 1,500 acres of preserved land on the battlefields, with trails and signs to let visitors know what took place there. Among the 11 tour stops is Bethany Memorial Cemetery with 96 Confederate graves, a National Park Service monument flanked by cannons, and a replica bridge over Tishomingo Creek where the Union troops were turned. Admission to the museum is $5 for visitors older than 7. On
many weekends, visitors will find a living history event with reenactors operating a military camp with music, displays and demonstrations of life during the Civil War. There is one such
event planned for June 16 at the Old Town Creek battle site in Tupelo. For more information, visit finalstands .com or call 662-365-3969. May 2016 | INVITATION TUPELO
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BIRTHPLACE of a KING
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INVITATION TUPELO | May 2016
The ever-evolving Elvis Presley Birthplace is a destination for both locals and tourists. written by Toni Overby
photographed by Joe Worthem
The Elvis Presley Birthplace isn’t just a popular destination for faraway visitors; it’s also a place for Tupelo residents to explore and enjoy. Local schools often take field trips to the city landmark so students can learn fun and interesting facts about the King, as well as tour his childhood home and view statues of the iconic musician.
To longtime Tupelo residents,
the Elvis Presley Birthplace may just be another familiar city landmark. But fun facts found at the museum and the city park’s evolving facility and grounds make it worthy of another visit. Most Tupelo citizens know the story well: Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo in 1935 and lived there until he was 13. His family moved to Memphis, but in 1957, after Elvis had signed his record deal, he returned to Tupelo to give a concert and discovered his childhood home, including the 15 acres surrounding it, was for sale. He purchased it and deeded it to the city after they promised to build a park and youth center for children on the east side. “An interesting fact people might not know is that the same week Elvis bought the
15 acres of his childhood home, he also bought the initial 15 acres that would later become Graceland [in Memphis],” said Dick Guyton, the birthplace’s executive director. “He bought the place he was born and the place he would be laid to rest practically in the same day.” That is just one of many facts visitors discover at the Elvis Presley Museum, also located on the birthplace property. The late Janelle McComb, a Tupelo native, refashioned the museum from a youth center in 1993 to display memorabilia Elvis had given her throughout their friendship. “My grandmother and Elvis were very close,” said Blair Hill, a fifth-generation Tupelo resident and the birthplace’s assistant director. “She wanted to give back to all the Elvis friends she knew, not just
the fans. She wanted to keep Tupelo in mind as a huge part of Elvis’ past, his childhood home.” Today, Guyton and Hill say their job is not only to welcome visitors from faraway places but also to encourage Tupelo citizens to enjoy what is more than just a museum. The grounds of the birthplace boast beautiful scenery and monuments to the King. A new addition that Tupelo residents might not be aware of is a breathtaking monument on the overlook behind the childhood home and museum. A picturesque walk up to the overlook leads to a pavilion with bench seats and two statues that form one piece of art, aptly named Becoming. One statue is Elvis as a child holding his guitar, while the other is a larger-than-life Elvis with his arms spread wide. “Childhood May 2016 | INVITATION TUPELO
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“You wonder how someone so rich could also have been so humble. When you come here, you see why: Elvis knew what it meant to be poor. But he also knew the closeness of the town, the generosity of Tupelo, and how we always come together.”-Blair Hill
friends say Elvis used to go to the overlook as a little boy, play his guitar and dream about his future,” Guyton said. “We named the statues what we did because they tell the story of Elvis the boy becoming Elvis the entertainer. That little boy playing guitar on the milk crate can’t see the greatness in his future. But we do.” A lake situated behind the overlook with a waterfall and two fountains is scheduled to open in September. It will include a walkway and large pavilion, something both residents and tourists have wanted to have replaced since the original pavilion was torn down a few years ago to make room for a larger parking lot. “Guests come and eat lunch here, walk around,” Hill said. “The land around the birthplace was created to be enjoyed by all.” In addition to the original structures of Elvis’ childhood home and the museum, that land also includes a chapel built in 1979 that features large, intricate stained-glass windows. The original church that Elvis attended as a child is also on the grounds, with triple projection screens on all sides showing what a traditional Assembly of God service would have looked like in his day. “You even get to hear a ‘little Elvis’ sing a gospel hymn,” Guyton said. The gift shop has been expanded multiple times, and an event center with a catering kitchen and a green room for entertainers was added recently. The event center is open to the public for parties, meetings or gatherings. An attached theater shows a free movie about Elvis’ childhood but it’s also a place local children come to learn. “We have a whole generation of children
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INVITATION TUPELO | May 2016
Presley’s birthplace is much more than just a museum; the picturesque grounds are filled with flowers, fountains and breathtaking views, including a new overlook and large pavilion near the lake. The benches there are a popular spot for guests to eat lunch and take photographs of their visit.
now coming to the museum with their schools to learn about Elvis and the history of the city,” Hill said. “We also have a children’s enrichment program where we bring in kids from all over the region to show them a movie themed ‘hopelessness to hope,’ explaining how Elvis went from a poor child in Tupelo to the great-
est entertainer the world has ever known.” A visit to the birthplace is a plus for Tupelo residents because it benefits the city economically and culturally, which, according to Hill, was exactly what Elvis wanted when he deeded the property to the city. “You always hear about how generous
Elvis was, how he had such a giving heart,” Hill said. “You wonder how someone so rich could also have been so humble. When you come here, you see why: Elvis knew what it meant to be poor. But he also knew the closeness of the town, the generosity of Tupelo, and how we always come together.” May 2016 | INVITATION TUPELO
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Two years after the tornado devastated their land, the Moores’ family home is nearly rebuilt, and their thousands of trees and plants are blooming again. written by Melanie Crownover photographed by Joe Worthem
the plants are beginning to bloom on the 2-acre Saltillo property Joanne and Shelby Moore have worked on together since 1966. They sit on the back porch of their nearly completed new house at sunset, tired from another full day of work on their crepe myrtle and daylily farm. They have satisfied looks on their faces, perhaps because life is finally getting back to normal. Two years ago, the pair thought their gardening days were over. “We were inside the back hallway when the tornado hit,” Joanne said. “It picked up the roof and set it down three times, and then a tree came through the bedroom window and just missed us. All we could do was pray.” Once the couple worked their way through the destruction inside to the back door, they saw that the April 2014 tornado had rendered their neighborhood almost unrecognizable. A pontoon boat from a neighbor’s lake sat atop their guesthouse, and their separate garage had tipped over onto the main house, demolishing the back two bedrooms. Half of the roof was gone. The landscape was devastated. The fence was mostly gone. Debris peppered the yard and flower beds, and the storm had obliterated Joanne and Shelby Moore (pictured right) have worked tirelessly to grow their more than 19 varieties of crepe myrtles, along with eight beds of daylilies and 500 varieties of irises.
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“it may not look anything like what we had before, but it’ll be ours, and we’ll thank god every day for leaving us here to take care of it and each other.”
-Joanne Moore
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This summer the Moores plan to move into their new house, where they will continue tending to their garden and add hydrangeas, roses and azaleas. Although the property doesn’t look exactly as it did before the tornado, the couple are grateful for their new home and the time they get to spend together.
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the cypress bridge, several wooden arbors with swings and the birdhouses Shelby had made for the property. “The memories made here weren’t lost, but it sure felt like it at the time,” daughter Pam Coker said. “They say there’s no place like home, and this has been it for all of us since I was 5. All I’ve wanted since that day is to see my parents have back what they’ve worked so hard to build.” The Moores spent 37 days after the storm living in the house with no power, electricity or water. They kept a tarp over the roof and used a generator while they moved salvageable items to storage. Friends, strangers and church groups helped remove debris from the property, and the houses were demolished in June 2014. They battled red tape for a year before their insurance came through to allow a construction crew to break ground on their new three-bedroom, two-bath brick home. As the workers laid foundation, affixed wall studs and added roofing, the Moores were on the grounds working their magic on the landscape
six days a week. Their 19 varieties of crepe myrtles, which were as tall as 10 feet and covered with blooms before the storm, all had to be cut back to almost knee high to be saved. The couple increased applications of fertilizer, bloom booster and lime to give the damaged trees extra nutrients and bring them back to life. “We had to save those. He bought me my first crepe myrtle for Mother’s Day 28 years ago, and about 10 years ago we had 8,000 out here,” Joanne said. “That’s about when the children said, ‘Daddy, don’t you buy her any more flowers,’ but he said he’s going to give me all the flowers he can while we’re alive.” “And keeping them alive keeps us going,” Shelby said. Joanne added that since the storm, her doctor has endorsed their dedication to the property as not only good exercise but also a form of therapy. And it’s not an entirely selfish endeavor: In addition to growing the trees for their own enjoyment, the Moores sell them to passersby who are interested, as a simple sign
at the front of their property quietly advertises. In addition to the trees, the Moores saved and pressure-washed brick from the old main house that was found around the yard to reinforce eight beds of daylilies. After they picked the debris out of the beds and trimmed the 125 different types of lilies, the flowers thrived and bloomed. The 500 varieties of irises sprang back, as well, and the 150-year-old fern that belonged to Shelby’s great-grandfather miraculously survived. New container plants, bulbs and bushes were planted this spring as workers mortared the last bricks onto the house. Replacements for the hydrangeas, roses and azaleas lost in the storm will go in during the next year. “We still have a few months before we move in because we want everything finished up inside and out here before then. It’s just going to take some time,” Joanne said. “It may not look anything like what we had here before, but it’ll be ours, and we’ll thank God every day for leaving us here to take care of it and each other.” May 2016 | INVITATION TUPELO
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THIRD ANNUAL NOLEPUT FESTIVAL The NOleput festival was held April 15 and 16 at Fairpark. The New Orleans-themed event featured live music, food vendors and a children’s play area. photographed by Lisa Roberts
Casey Owen and Callie Hudson
Sarah and Phil Johnson
Vanessa Spragin and LaHonestee Rivers
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INVITATION TUPELO | May 2016
Reid Kitchens and Lydia McCoy
Angie Beatty and Ralph Dyck
Nikki Cates, Leigh Anne McGill and Cheri Burleson
Wesley Jaggers and Angie Hutchins with Missy and Maco McKinney
Karley and Christian Serrano
Melonie Kight, David Dillard and Zach Russell
Rachel and Cynthia Canup
JUNE 2016
Look forward to Invitation Oxford and Invitation Tupelo’s combined Bridal issue featuring gorgeous brides, dapper grooms and festive celebrations.
On stands June 15 May 2016 | INVITATION TUPELO
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DISNEY’S ALADDIN KIDS Pied Piper Players presented a performance of Disney’s Aladdin Kids at Milam School April 15 with a cast of more than 40 children. photographed by Lisa Roberts
Lindy Monts, Magalie Martin, Emily Campbell and Ali Vallarian
Paisley Williams, Annelise Fagan, Carly Oglesby, Hannah Ruth Culp and Mary Vandersteeg
William Short, Camden Petrie and Bryce Heatherly
Kabir Gupta, Clay Hewitt and Millie Davis
Caleigh Martin, Emma Kate Fox and Nate Swanson
Lilly Odom, Afton Gable and Alice Fagan
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Sophia Grace Bean, Virginia Robbins, Karmen Pfahler and Jilli Grace Asa
Kaylee Heitger, Gavin Lane and D.J. Swanson
Leigh Strickland, Lillie Bradley and Mary Grace Toole
Tory Fox, Crystal Heatherly, Nailah Slatter and Mary Preston Evers
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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.
OLE MISS REBEL ROAD TRIP IN CORINTH The Rebel Road Trip bus tour made a stop in Corinth on April 20 at Crossroads Arena. Ole Miss head football coach Hugh Freeze and athletics director Ross Bjork were featured speakers. photographed by Whitney Worsham
ASSN Whitney Worsham and Hugh Freeze
Ross Bjork with Eva, Dedrea, Lola, Jeff and Stella Hollis
John James, Micah Monaghan and John Shipp
Kirk Purdom and Ricky James
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INVITATION TUPELO | May 2016
Leigh Hollingsworth and Amanda Russell
Mason, Pat and Luke Tucker
Pat Palmer and Keith Carter
John and Lenore Stanley
Jackson Lancaster, Andy Shinault and Tameric Perry
Brad and Korban Essary with Jet
Clay Williams and John Robert Davis
Konner, Selena and Ben Burns
Kim Lyles, Lorie Richey and Jason Mattox
Mark Kelly and Linda Tapp
Ricky Prather and Tony Smith
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COLOR VIBE 5K RUN The Color Vibe 5K was held April 16 at Fairpark. A portion of the proceeds from the fun run was donated to the Family Resource Center of Northeast Mississippi. photographed by Lisa Roberts
Jessica Meadows, Regina Gordon and Latasha McIntosh
Makenna and Breanna Nowlin with Noah Walker, Alli Coker and Maggie Garrett
Lisa Poole and Mallory Haynes
Meri Kitchen, Beth Anne Rushing, Stephanie Kitchens and Layla Darden
Will Christenson and Jacque McAlister
Austin Sanders and Eli Hannon
Tonya Canerdy, Ashley Fryar and Darla Gurley
April Lindsey, Melissa Hill and Jennifer Horton
Kaitlyn Cagle and Sanjuana Ledbetter
Amber Nowlin and Tracey Coker
Mallori Corder and Libby Young
Erika and Marsha Vinson
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INVITATION TUPELO | May 2016
Now offering NUYU
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1004 Commonwealth Blvd. Tupelo, MS 38804
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I LOVE THE ’90S CONCERT A concert was held April 16 at BancorpSouth Arena. The ’90s themed tour featured performances by Salt-N-Pepa, Vanilla Ice, Kid ‘n Play, Tone Loc, ¯ Coolio and Color Me Badd. photographed by Lisa Roberts
Kim Guest, Bridget Adams and Ginger Stahl
Audrey Camp, Kortni Clemons and Angela Edwards
Lee and Camille Dulaney with Crystal and Corey Hughes
Jessica and Trey Graves
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INVITATION TUPELO | May 2016
Ashley Tutor, Jennifer Alexander and Valerie Caden
Stefanie Bryant with Keri and Brandy McMillin
Harold Hughes and Brandi Carter
Candee Garrett, Melissa French and Rhonda Tompkins
Carley Carter and Jessica Knight
Kandi Williams and Poppie Richey
Chris and Lacee Hall with Rudy Dossett and Tasha Dozier
Heather Bowen and Karen Medlock
DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016
FEBRUARY 2016
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TCT PRESENTS MARY POPPINS Tupelo Community Theatre presented Mary Poppins April 28-30 at the Lyric Theatre. The play is based on the book series by P. L. Travers and the 1964 Walt Disney film. photographed by Lisa Roberts
Madison Atkins and Jeff Houin
Wendy Baker and Mersaidee Soules
Julia Jane and Jennifer Averette
Allie Nichols and Tyler Pannell
Renee Pender, Remy Duvalier, Hannah Baker and Harley Nabors
Ben Eakes and Lisa Ross
Maddie Toole, Jordan Cockrell, Faith Williams and Devon Moore
Liz Dawson and Lesley Tackitt
Tennesse Jordan and Blake Guntharp
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UP TOGETHER CONFERENCE The Up Together Conference was held April 8 and 9 at BancorpSouth Arena. The event focused on business, ministry and personal development. Dr. John Moore was the keynote speaker. photographed by Joe Worthem
Chris and Qwaytisha Hendricks, Deborah Ransey, Rhonda Taylor, Evelyn Sherdon and Deshone Thompson with Ashley and Johnathan Brown
Taheesha Quarells with Anastasia and Dominic Powell, Dominic Powell II, and David Quarells III
James and Rosie Triplett with Jermica Penro
Birdie and Joseph Parker
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INVITATION TUPELO | May 2016
Cavell Samels, Ari Tukes, Carl Mitchell, Courtney Walthorn and Dashan Vance
Meke and Will Addison
Willi Shank and Courtney Sargent
Pierre and Shaikenya Pope
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Fridays are tasty at INVITATIONTUPELO.COM! Visit our food blog for delicious recipes contributed by food blogger Kimme Hargrove each week.
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OUT AND ABOUT NIGHT OUT FOR NEW HAVEN
Ethel Holland, Joyce Sumners and Maxine Bagwell
Roger and Jennifer Cobb
AUTHOR MATT DE LA PEÑA AT LEE COUNTY LIBRARY
Matt de la Peña and Vicky Manning
Jimmie Rogers, Tounia Herrington and Judy Trott
MSU EXTENSION SERVICE ANNUAL PLANT SALE
Kate and Julie Farabaugh
Beverly Chappell and Sharon Carrigan
Rocha and Michael Jones
2016 JEWELS AND GEMS AT ST. PAUL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Nettie Davis, Pamela Coleman, Judy Watson, Debbie Jones and Roxie Smith
GEOLOGY FESTIVAL AND FOSSIL ROAD SHOW
Hayes and Gavin Hawkins
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INVITATION TUPELO | May 2016
Latravious Lewis and Ayden Jace McKinney with Jillian Ivy and Jacques Ian Shumpert
LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS PARENT OF THE YEAR AWARDS
Roger Lambert and Nancy Roberts
Parent of the Year: Katrina Berry-Hopper
Katrinka Trice and Tammy Robbins
VETERANS PARK FISHING RODEO
Lauren Gale, Jill Merritt and Daniel Owens
Jorden, Patrick, Jayce and Peausha Daniel
BEL-AIR/JOYNER NEIGHBORHOOD BASH
Hillary Headings and Lane McClellan
VODKA TASTING AT PARK HEIGHTS
Robin and Anne Haire
Connie Reafore, Mitch Eubank, Brandon Stacks and Lawrence Reafore
Sherri Reese and Mike Hester
Nykolus and Blake White
Sheila and Ashley Bowles
William Cox and Amy Holmes
Catherine Foster and Adriane Purvis
Lynn Huffhine, Cindy Martin and Kim Caron
Chanda Cossitt and Sadie Smith
Robin and Lynn Bryan
May 2016 | INVITATION TUPELO
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CHANCE BECK
interviewed by Melanie Crownover photographed by Joe Worthem
She may not have a theme song like the icecream truck, but ice Popsicle lovers of all ages still come running when Chance Beck brings her Popsy cart out for the summer.
Q: Was Popsy your idea? A: Actually, my boyfriend-slash-partner Blake Whitehead was missing Steel City Pops when he moved here from Birmingham. He kept saying we had to do something like that here.
Q: How did you make it happen? A: We imported a pop machine from Brazil that can freeze 88 popsicles in 25 minutes, got a bunch of local fruit and made a mess. We opened June 2014 and sold half of the 25,000 pops that summer thanks to trial and error.
Q: What’s the secret ingredient? A: Ripe local fruit makes us able to use less sugar in our pops. When we do add anything, it’s local honey, organic cane sugar or agave. And we get all of our milk from Brown Family Dairy in Oxford for our creamy pops.
Q: Did you start with cart or restaurant sales? A: Both. Neon Pig started selling them, and we’re still expanding into new restaurants every day. At the same time, I bought two 15-yearold ice-cream carts from a lady in Alabama. We started going where the kids were, like parks.
Q: Where do you get flavor ideas? A: Any dessert. Our blueberry-lemon
came around because that’s one of my favorite cakes. We just get a deal on what’s in season and mix. We’ve done all kinds – muscadine, strawberry cheesecake, lavender cream, mango-chili, chocolate-bacon.
Q: What’s the next move for Popsy? A: We’re adding a third cart so we can be at
Follow Popsy on Facebook and Instagram to find out where they’ll be each week and what new flavors they’re serving up.
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multiple places at once, and we moved our kitchen to McCullough Boulevard in Tupelo last August. We’re hoping to have a year-round storefront there by the end of the year.