SUMMARY: Summer is ending in Mississippi, marking the loss of homegrown tomatoes and watermelons. The 2025 Watermelon Carnival in Water Valley celebrates the state’s famed juicy watermelons, drawing up to 20,000 visitors each year. Recognized as a top festival in the Southeast, the carnival features delicious food like funnel cakes, live music, arts and crafts, contests, entertainment for kids, and a fireworks display. Originating during the Great Depression in 1931 to boost the local economy, the event began with overwhelming attendance. This year’s festivities start August 1 with a street dance and fireworks, followed by a parade, races, and more on August 2. More info at the Water Valley Chamber Facebook page.

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SUMMARY: Mississippi’s charm lies in its quiet strength and soulful stories—from the sunrise over cotton fields to the hum of pine trees and the comfort of a porch swing. Known for hardworking, proud people, the state is the birthplace of blues and gospel, shaping much of America’s culture. Its communities rally with kindness, respect, and close connections, while embracing both tradition and progress. From small-town festivals to innovators shaping the future, Mississippi balances resilience with growth. Its unpredictable spirit defines its dynamic people. More than a location, Mississippi is a feeling, a family, and a true home.

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SUMMARY: Before Europeans discovered the Americas, their diet lacked tomatoes, corn, potatoes, and many other staples now common in Europe. Native Americans had cultivated diverse foods like peppers, beans, squash, and corn, especially the “three sisters” (corn, beans, squash), which revolutionized European diets after their introduction. This exchange, part of the Columbian Exchange, also included European livestock and grains introduced to the Americas. Sadly, Europeans brought diseases like smallpox that devastated Native populations. Additionally, the spice trade with Asia and the Middle East enriched European flavor palettes. Overall, the transatlantic exchanges dramatically transformed food cultures on both continents after 1492.

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