A 5K Run/Walk, musicians, vendors with an array of arts and crafts; snacks, refreshments and meals; the crowning of a new Queen, s parade and fireworks will highlight the Wesson Founders’ Day celebration on Friday, May 5, and Saturday, May 6.
The Wesson Chamber of Commerce is the primary sponsor of the event with additional support committed so far by the Town of Wesson, Trustmark National Bank, Copiah County Medical Center and Taylor’s Legacy, LLC.
The festivities start on Friday evening with a Run/Walk that begins at 6 p.m. Walkers and runners start the 5K event on Highway 51 with signs along the way directing them through Wesson and the Co-Lin campus and ending at their starting point on Highway 51. Overall Run/Walk winners and those finishing first, second and third place in four age categories -- under 20, 21-35, 36-50 and 51 and over -- will be recognized. The fee is $25 for the run/walk. Last year, more than 60 adults and youth participated and larger numbers are expected this year.
On Saturday, the Chamber will Crown a new Founder’s Day Queen and celebrate the reign of the outgoing 2022-23 Queen, Ally Sullivan, who has represented the Chamber at various events throughout the year.
` Throughout the day, soloists and bands now being lined up by Chamber President Stephen Ashley will take the Spring Street stage with an assortment of gospel, rock and country music, dance and crowd-pleasing performances to the celebration. Shoppers will browse vendor booths and bargain for clothing, jewelry, arts and crafts. An abundance of food, snacks and drinks will be available to satisfy the hunger needs of visitors. Keys vs. Strings from Brookhaven will provide the music for street dancing in the evening hours.
The Town of Wesson is also planning activities to celebrate Copiah County’s Bicentennial and the American Legion will present a Wesson citizen with the American Legion Continuous Membership Award.
The Founders parade will roll at 3:00 p.m. Participants will start lining up at 2:30 p.m. in the parking lot of the old Sunflower grocery store on Highway 51. Co-Lin President Dr. Jane Hulon Sims is this year’s Grand Marshal.
As darkness descends on Saturday, the celebration will culminate on Spring Street by the railroad tracks with a spectacular fireworks display.
Chamber Board Secretary Deemie Letchworth says the celebratory event, in the final analysis, is about boosting the local economy. “Everyone is encouraged to come to Wesson, enjoy the event and also shop our local businesses,” she says. “Our local businesses are why the Chamber sponsors events such as this. We believe in our local businesses and want to see them thrive in our town.”
More specifics about the 5K Run/Walk and other events will be shared in the coming weeks on the Wesson Chamber Happenings Facebook page. Contact Stephanie Duguid at 601-643-8341 for information about the 5K Run/Walk.
Comments