On Monday, August 29, the world lost another great blues legend when David “Honeyboy” Edwards of Shaw, Mississippi, passed away in his Chicago home. The GRAMMY-winning artist was known to be the oldest surviving Delta bluesman.



Honeyboy achieved many accolades during his career, which included induction to the Blues Hall of Fame, several GRAMMY Awards, the Mississippi Arts Commission's Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award and many other notable recognitions. However, one of his fondest memories was being honored on the Mississippi Blues Trail on April 13, 2007.

What’s a summer without watermelon? More importantly, what’s a summer festival without watermelon? Celebrate a true southern Mississippi festival this summer at the Mississippi Watermelon Festival and eat all the delicious, ripe, world-famous Smith County melons you want! With the exception of the mouth watering watermelon, enjoy live entertainment from artists like Andy Griggs and Katie Arminger, arts and crafts and tons of family fun. Try your watermelon seed-spitting skills at the watermelon seed-spitting contest or try your hands at the greased watermelon race and watermelon eating contest. An antique car show and motorcycle show round out this year’s activities.

So, make plans to bring the whole family, sit in the shade and enjoy the Mississippi Watermelon Festival July 15-16 in downtown Mize at City Park. No need to pack the watermelon!