The 13th annual Mendenhall in May festival was a complete success last Saturday.
President of the Mendenhall Area Chamber of Commerce Amber Case said it was a very successful day, thanks to the hard work of many people. The event saw a large turnout despite a rainy forecast. The weather stayed clear and a good time was had by all. Case extended a special thanks to all the sponsors.
She said, “Thank you to all of the sponsors. It was a successful day. We couldn’t do Mendenhall in May without them, and we thank them so very much for all their generosity. Our Chamber board and volunteers worked very hard to put on a good day, and we hope to see everyone back next year.”
Mendenhall in May kicked off with the Peoples Bank Run for the Money 5K with one of the highest participant counts ever. Racers from all over the state laced up and took to the hilly course around the streets of downtown Mendenhall on a 3.1 mile course. With the historic courthouse in the backdrop and shade all around, it was the perfect day for a run.
After the 5K, the junior racers launched their own mile fun run to end the morning. Overall winners received $50 cash prizes and all 1st place winners received $20.
Following the 5K several vendors had already set up along Main Street. Over 50 vendors came to town. The car show was hosted by Booth Discount Tires, Napa, and Puckett’s Paint & Body. A variety of classic, antique, and muscle cars participated in the show. Nick Floyd & Associates, JJ’s 49 Fuel and Food, and SimpCo Memorial sponsored the BBQ Cook-Off. Of the eight teams that competed, Arthur Langston won first place, Andy Scoggins second place, and Kelvin and Misty Burt took third place.
The main event was sponsored by Mississippi Diesel Products and Priority One Bank. The entertainment headliner for the event was Doctor Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster. Dr Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster has entertained legions of party goers throughout the South for over 22 years. The band played and eclectic set that ranged from 70’s disco to 80’s glam rock, Dr Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster is one of the most energetic, fun and professional party bands ever. The show featured costume changes, great sound and lighting systems, and lots of audience participation, Dr Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster made this Mendenhall in May one to remember. The concert began at 4:00 p.m. and lasted until 8:00 p.m.
Case said, “The entertainment was awesome they did a really great job, and I think a lot of people enjoyed them.”
The crawfish boil drew a large crowd once again and several citizens gathered around tables to enjoy crawfish, corn, and potatoes. Case said over 800 pounds of crawfish were sold, and several people complimented the taste. The crawfish were prepared by Airport Crawfish. The crawfish were sponsored by Mendenhall Wine and Liquor, Rankin Accounting Service, Miller Inspection, Vowell’s, Central Pipe, McGuffee Drugs, Tobacco Market, North Simpson Gravel Co., Air South, C Spire, and Lexington Concrete.
Inflatables were a big hit with the children along with a petting zoo sponsored by Crossgates Veterinarian Clinic.
Mendenhall in May was a filled with fun for the entire family, and citizens are already looking forward to next year.
Case said, “It was a lot of fun and a beautiful day. We want to see even more people out next year and we plan for Mendenhall in May to continue to grow.”
