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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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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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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