UM students, faculty, staff to entertain, inform the public
OXFORD, Miss. – People of all ages are expected to
Experience Amazing first hand as the University of Mississippi presents
“Ole Miss Day at the Mid-South Fair” Sept. 27. A wide range of fun and
exciting entertainment by Ole Miss students, coupled with informational
booths manned by faculty and staff, are planned.
More than 200,000 north Mississippi and Memphis-area residents, as
well Ole Miss alumni and fans, students, faculty and staff, are
expected to attend. This first-of-its-kind event runs from noon to 7
p.m. at the fair’s new location, the Desoto Civic Center and grounds
off I-55 in Southaven. All Ole Miss events are to be staged in a
section of the Civic Center grounds adjacent to the outdoor stage.
“We’re very excited about what promises to be a fun-filled,
family-friendly day for people from all walks of life,” said Pamela
Starling, assistant director of marketing in UM’s Division of Outreach.
“The Mid-South Fair, in its 153rd year, provides an excellent
opportunity to share information about the university’s diverse
academic, organizational, service and athletics areas.”
UM student groups, including the Gospel Choir, Mississippi: the
Dance Company, and the Rebelettes, as well as other performing groups
and ensembles, will perform throughout the day. International students
will share their unique cultures, Rebel Radio deejays will be on hand
to liven up the crowd and UM Communiversity Program will sponsor
cooking and other demonstrations.
“By presenting many of the things that make the University of
Mississippi amazing, we seek to show how diverse the Ole Miss
experience really is,” Starling said.
In front of the stage will be 48 Ole Miss informational booths
representing various campus offices, including administrative and
academic departments, Student Services, Outreach, Ford Center for the
Performing Arts and Study Abroad.
“Across from the booth area will be the Coaches’ Catfish
Luncheon,” Starling said. “Sponsored by the UM Alumni Association, this
event features catfish dinners from Taylor Grocery and opportunities to
meet and greet the various coaches and Miss University Brooke Beard.”
Tickets for the cookout are $12 for adults and $7 for children 12 and
under.
Following the close of Ole Miss Day, the Skinner Boys of Oxford
will present a free concert on the outdoor stage beginning at 8 p.m.
Also beginning at 8 p.m., country music vocalist Martina McBride
presents a concert in the Desoto Civic Center. Tickets are $40.
Discounted tickets are $2 off the Mid-South Fair’s $10 admission
fee and may be purchased in advance or on-site the day of the event.
“Desoto County is the 29th fastest-growing county in the United
States and accounts for more than 54 percent of Memphis metro growth,”
said Wendy Carmean, UM’s director of brand marketing. “Last year,
Desoto County Schools became the largest school district in the state.
Ole Miss Day is certain to be well worth the investment of our time and
effort.”
In addition to Ole Miss Day, UM’s Desoto Center staff will
maintain a presence at the Fair during its entire run from Sept. 25 to
Oct. 4.
For more information and to purchase advance tickets, visit http://www.olemiss.edu/