Our Mississippi Home
Damselflies – Ancient Dainty Flyers
SUMMARY: Dragonflies and damselflies are both part of the Odonata order of insects. Dragonflies are larger and have uneven wings, while damselflies are smaller with even wings. Both insects are ancient and have been around for over 200 million years. Damselflies are important predators and spend most of their life in water as nymphs before emerging as adults. They mate by the male grabbing the female, and the female directs him to a suitable location to lay her eggs. Damselflies are prey for other insects and play a role in the food chain. They can be found near wet areas and are interesting to watch.
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Our Mississippi Home
Sweet Tradition: The Watermelon Carnival Returns to Water Valley This August
SUMMARY: The Watermelon Carnival in Water Valley, Mississippi, celebrates its 51st year on August 2–3, attracting around 20,000 visitors annually. Originating in 1931 during the Great Depression to uplift the community, the festival paused during World War II but was revived in 1980. Now a two-day event, it features live music, a 5K/10K run, craft markets, a pancake breakfast, car shows, games, raffles, and a traditional Festival Queen Contest. The celebration culminates with a grand parade and fireworks on Main Street. Recognized as a Top 20 Southeastern festival, it embodies community spirit, history, and Southern summer joy.
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Our Mississippi Home
USM Center for Fisheries and Research Development Gearing Up for Shark Weekend
SUMMARY: The University of Southern Mississippi’s Center for Fisheries and Research Development (CFRD) and the Mississippi Aquarium are hosting Shark Weekend on July 26-27. This annual event features interactive stations where visitors can learn about shark species native to Mississippi’s coast, shark research by USM, and the ecological importance of sharks. Dr. Jill Hendon, CFRD director, highlights Mississippi’s diverse shark populations and the center’s long-term research on shark biology and conservation. The Aquarium emphasizes sharks’ vital role in marine ecosystems and the need for protection. USM also offers related educational programs, including Sea Camp, Shark Fest, and a Shark Biology course, engaging enthusiasts year-round.
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Our Mississippi Home
The Shoebox Started in Mississippi? Here’s the Story Behind It
SUMMARY: The shoebox, a common item worldwide, holds a surprising history linking a Scottish inventor and a Mississippi entrepreneur. In the 1870s, Robert Gair, a Scottish-born printer, invented the mass-producible cardboard box. Later, in 1884 Vicksburg, Mississippi, Phil Gilbert revolutionized shoe retail by selling shoes in matching left-right pairs inside these boxes, improving customer convenience and retail presentation. This innovation quickly spread nationwide and became the standard. Beyond packaging, shoeboxes now store memories and crafts, symbolizing thoughtful retail design. What seems simple today began as a clever idea in a small Mississippi shoe parlor.
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