Magnolia State blossoms in park

A taste of Mississippi doesn't have to smack of flood waters. Next month, lovers of the Magnolia State are invited to gather in Chastain Park for fried catfish, hush puppies, sweet tea, caramel cake and, of course, the blues.

The Mississippi Society of Georgia, a non-profit entity composed of alumni and friends of Mississippi’s higher institutions, is putting on the event in the "lovely tree-shaded" Four Grill Pavilion area. The society estimated that 500 Mississippians and guests attended "Mississippi in the Park" last year. The event includes booths and representatives from the colleges and universities of Mississippi, political leaders from Mississippi and Georgia, T- shirts, a raffle, door prizes and "authentic, down-home” music

Go www.mssocietyofga.org to register, become a sponsor or to see photos from past years. Saturday, June 25 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Chastain Park, 135 West Wieuca Rd., NW