Mississippi

Mississippi watermelons: A great treat to beat the heat

Published

2 years ago

July 4, 2024

Mississippi watermelons: A great treat to beat the heat

Grab a watermelon from the grocery store and put it on ice. It will be chilled in time to enjoy while you’re watching fireworks tonight.

In my humble opinion watermelon should be the official food of the Fourth of July. On a steamy hot day, there is surely nothing better than biting into a wedge of ice cold watermelon. Mark Twain even said those who have tasted watermelon “know what angels eat.” How fortunate we are in Mississippi that peak watermelon season runs from mid-June to mid-July, when temperatures are soaring. There’s just no better treat to eat on a hot summer day.

Most large, seeded watermelons grown in Mississippi are Royal Sweet, 720 or Starbright. All have rich, red flesh that is sweet and juicy. There are also smaller “personal watermelons” and watermelons with yellow-flesh. But really, they’re all delicious.

According to the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center, watermelon production, and consumption, has been on the rise in the past few decades. The organization estimates that Americans eat 15.5 pounds of watermelon per person each year. That’s a lot of watermelon seeds to spit out.

Surprisingly Mississippi doesn’t produce as many watermelons as you may think. There are just a few dozen watermelon farmers in the state, and the output is less than one percent of the United States market share, according to USDA data. But there is plenty to go around, and for most people, the quality is more important than the quantity, and we grow delicious watermelons in Mississippi.

They are so good, in fact, that they are celebrated with a festival each year in Mize, Mississippi. Mize is located in Smith County, which arguably grows the best watermelons on earth. For 46 years, the Mize Watermelon Festival has been held in downtown Mize, and it keeps getting bigger every year. This year’s festival will bel held July 19 and 20 and will feature some top-tier entertainment.

Josh Gracin and Karley Nichols will perform on Saturday. Mike Cockrell from the Discovery Channel’s hit show Moonshiners will be at the festival. Mike is a Mize native, and he loves coming home to support the Volunteer Fire Department, the recipient of the proceeds of the festival.

It’s not too late to enjoy a watermelon today. Grab one from the grocery store and put it on ice. It will be chilled in time to enjoy while you’re watching fireworks tonight.

Top Ten Watermelon Facts

You will not grow a watermelon out of your head if you swallow a seed.
The U.S. Watermelon Speed-Eating & Seed-Spitting Championships held the first Saturday after Labor Day in September on the grounds of Chandler Park in Pardeeville, Wisconsin. There are rules. You can see them here (in case you want to hold your own backyard competition).
There is no wrong way to cut a watermelon. They are equally delicious cut into wedges, cubes, sticks, balls, or boats.
Watermelon is both a fruit and a vegetable, belonging to the same family as cucumbers, pumpkins and squash.
Watermelons live up to their name. They are composed of 92% water.
Watermelons are grown in 96 countries.
The heaviest watermelon recorded weighed 350.5 pounds, grown by Chris Kent in Sevierville, Tennessee. It was verified by the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth on October 4, 2013.
Watermelon has only about 40 calories per cup.
Watermelon does not contain any bad fat or cholesterol.
In ancient Egypt, watermelons were placed in burial tombs to nourish the soul after they had passed.

Watermelon Lime Tajin Mocktails

And finally, here’s to the perfect Fourth of July drink from whataboutwatermelon!

Ingredients

1 cup seedless Watermelon, diced and semi-frozen
1/2 c Water
Juice from one Lime (or to taste), plus more for rimming the glasses
Pinch of sugar or honey (if needed)
Small Lime Wedge (for garnish)
Tajin Seasoning (for rimming the glass)

Instructions

Cut the watermelon into slices or “steaks” and then into cubes. Partially freeze on a parchment lined baking sheet.
Using lime juice to adhere, rim the glass with Tajin seasoning. I find that placing the seasoning powder on a flat plate gives the most even coverage. Set aside.
Add the watermelon, about half as much water, a pinch of sugar (or drizzle of honey) and lime juice (to taste) to the blender. Puree until completely smooth.
Add to your mini glasses and garnish with a small wedge of lime.
Serve immediately.

Writer’s Note: A little vodka, gin, or tequila wouldn’t hurt.

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Mississippi

Mississippi Lottery rolls out 4 new scratch-off games for July – SuperTalk Mississippi

Published

2 hours ago

July 3, 2026

Press Room

Mississippi Lottery rolls out 4 new scratch-off games for July – SuperTalk Mississippi

As summer heats up, so do the game options from the Mississippi Lottery Corporation.

The MLC has unveiled four new scratch-off games for July, now available at retailers across the state.

“The lineup ranges from $1 to $10 and offers fresh play styles, multipliers, and bonus features with top prices up to $200,000,” the MLC said in a release.

The new games include:

Fast Bucks ($1): Delivers quick, easy play and is loaded with $200 prizes. Players can match winning numbers or scratch a “STAR” symbol in the play area to win.
Spicy Hot Cash ($2): Features top prizes of $20,000. Players can uncover a “HOT” symbol for an instant win or a “2X” symbol to double the prize.
Big Money Riches ($5): Offers top prizes of $100,000. Players can reveal a “MONEY BAG” symbol for an instant win or a “2X” symbol to double the prize.
Grand Stacks ($10): Offers top prizes of $200,000 and multiple ways to multiply winnings. Players can reveal a “GOLD BAR” symbol for an instant win, “5X” or “10X” multipliers, and two bonus spots for a chance to win instant bonus prizes.

Players can also enter eligible non-winning tickets into the lottery’s second-chance program for another opportunity to win.

Please play responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please call the National Council on Problem Gambling’s toll-free helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER.

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List of Jackson area events to celebrate July 4th before firework shows

Published

12 hours ago

July 3, 2026

Press Room

List of Jackson area events to celebrate July 4th before firework shows

The Fourth of July is often marked by firework shows; however, there are alternative ways to celebrate the nation’s independence.

The holiday commemorates the passage of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. The document announced the separation of the 13 North American colonies from Great Britain.

While fireworks remain a familiar staple nationwide, organizers in and near the Jackson area will offer family-friendly events that focus on patriotism and community connection without the main attraction being a dazzling burst of color and sound.

Throughout Jackson and nearby cities, events for Independence Day are expected to feature live performances, storytelling, interactive activities and games for all ages. Children can try hands-on activities, while adults can enjoy the music and cultural displays. The events are also complemented by food vendors serving classic summer treats.

With the nation also commemorating America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, the Jackson area events provide a timely reminder of civic pride.

Whether you are a longtime resident or a visitor, here are four family-friendly events in and around Jackson that you can enjoy on the holiday weekend without fireworks as the main event.

Farm Bureau Watermelon Classic 5K Run/Walk

The Annual Farm Bureau Watermelon Classic will have a 5k Run, 5k Walk and One-Mile Fun Run as competitive events, all benefitting the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum. The event is also celebrating 30 years and America’s 250th birthday.

This annual event is one of the largest fundraisers for the museum each year and helps keep the doors open to visitors.

To register for this event, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/MS/Jackson/Watermelon. Registration closes at 5 p.m. July 3, 2026.

When: 7:30-10 a.m. on Saturday, July 4, 2026
Where: Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, 1152 Lakeland Drive in Jackson
Admission: $18 and up

Fourth Fest

The Gluckstadt Rotary Club will present its annual Fourth Fest for the City of Gluckstadt. The event will include food trucks, inflatables, a kids’ area, a car show and performances from Joe Austin and The Tallahatchies, a live band based out of Oxford.

When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, 2026
Where: Calhoun Station Parkway in Gluckstadt
Admission: Free

July 4th and America’s 250th Birthday Celebration

Madison the City will celebrate the Fourth of July and America’s 250th birthday with a festive program featuring the Jackson All-Stars Band, Betsy Ross sharing stories and old-fashioned games. Ed McDaniels will lead a presentation of the American flag, while Party Pets plans to offer a petting zoo. There will also be an array of food choices including hot dogs, cake, ice cream, lemonade, watermelon and strawberries.

The event’s emcee will be retired Maj. Gen. Augustus Leon Collins, who previously served as adjutant general of both the Mississippi Army and Air National Guard.

When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, 2026
Where: Strawberry Patch Park, 271 Saint Augustine Drive in Madison
Admission: Free

Stars, Stripes & Symphony with the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra

The Levitt AMP Downtown Jackson Music Series and the Mississippi Humanities Council will present Stars, Stripes & Symphony, an America 250 Mississippi celebration.

Though the event will have a fireworks finale, it will follow the symphony’s performance of patriotic songs. The event also includes children’s activities, food and beverage vendors.

When: 5-9 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, 2026
Where: Two Mississippi Museums’ Entergy Plaza, 222 North Street in Jackson
Admission: Free

Pam Dankins is the breaking news reporter for the Clarion Ledger. Have a tip? Email her at pdankins@gannett.com.

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Mississippi

What stores near Jackson sell fireworks to celebrate July 4th

Published

22 hours ago

July 2, 2026

Press Room

What stores near Jackson sell fireworks to celebrate July 4th

Fireworks are a Fourth of July staple for many people.

Finding places to buy fireworks in Mississippi to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary this year can be an exciting plan, but it also requires checking laws and following safety tips.

In 2000, consumer fireworks generated $407 million in national sales, according to the American Pyrotechnics Association.

Consumer fireworks revenue rose steadily over the next two decades, reaching $1 billion in 2019. The figure nearly doubled in 2020 to $1.9 billion and has stayed strong, averaging around $2.2 billion per year since.

Mike Chaney, Mississippi’s commissioner of insurance and state fire marshal, said he expects that this year “fireworks use will be at an all-time high” in the state.

If you are not looking to purchase fireworks, there are several events in the Jackson metro area as well as statewide events to enjoy firework shows on and around July 4. There are also alternative ways near Jackson to enjoy the holiday without fireworks as the main attraction.

Below are some places you can purchase fireworks throughout the state for the 2026 Fourth of July:

What Mississippi law says about fireworks

For people in Mississippi, celebrating the nation’s independence brings dangers and laws that residents should be aware of.

Under state law, Mississippi permits “common fireworks” such as sparklers, fountains, Roman candles and small aerial devices for consumer sale, while larger display fireworks require federal licensing.

Mississippi law states it is unlawful to ignite or discharge fireworks of any type within 600 feet of any church, hospital or school, or within 75 feet of where fireworks are stored or offered for sale.

The law states it is also unlawful to ignite or discharge the same within or throw the same from or into or at any motor vehicle.

While shooting fireworks is legal under specific conditions in Mississippi, you should also observe local laws as some cities prohibit fireworks from being used within city limits.

Before you buy or light any fireworks, take a moment to check with your county or local fire officials to determine that local laws are being followed.