Pine Hill Festival

from Mississippi Coast National Heritage Area | Fall 2022 Newsletter

by Mississippi Coast NHA

Farm to Table

- BY ROXANN RANKIN WICKER PINE HILL FESTIVAL

Located on Pine Street in Downtown Wiggins and surrounding the Longleaf pines from which it is adapted, the Pine Hill Festival is considered the largest festival for Downtown Wiggins and Stone County, respectively. With over 100+ vendors and a reach of over 5,000 visitors, it is sure to provide an array of family friendly activities during your visit.

34 | Embrace Your Cultural Story

The Pine Hill Festival is celebrating its’ 40th year since inception. The festival is planned and organized by a dedicated group of community volunteers and loyal sponsors. It is a wonderful way to celebrate the heritage of Stone County, their citizens and the creativity found in South Mississippi.

There are several assorted food vendors, arts and crafts, a plethora of children's activities, antique and classic car shows and a 5K & 10K fun run. In addition, two stages for entertainment, the live music is sure to please.

Each year, the Stone County Chamber of Commerce hosts the event and this year’s sponsor is Carpenter’s Pole & Piling. Organizers kicked off this year’s event with a celebration of Stone County’s historical and cultural storytelling, made possible by the Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area. The Pine Hill Festival is centered around community. While there are visitors from near and far who come back to Wiggins each year to attend the festival, the artists, cuisine and entertainers are local and regional from the greater Gulf South. When asked, Betsy Rowell, Executive Director of the Stone County Economic Development Partnership said, “This is an annual event that local families have enjoyed for many years.”

Tyler Eggers told us his family attended Pine Hill Festival when he was a young boy. This weekend he and his wife attended with their young son. Those stories are so rewarding to share with volunteers and sponsors. A quick tag check indicates visitors from surrounding counties and states, including Alabama, Florida and Louisiana, attended.

"Over 100 vendors provided great food, children's activities, handmade crafts, original art and much more," said Festival Coordinator Sandra Kirke.

This festival brings back the simple pleasures people missed since returning after the pandemic. Experiencing the best in art, wellness, mindfulness, dance, vendor booths, multicultural musical performances, kid zones and plenty of food makes the Pine Hill Festival one to visit year after year.