"Find Your True South" Challenge

The Challenge theme for our October 5-6-7, 2012, show is "Find Your True South," which is the new Mississippi brand initiative recently announced by the Mississippi Development Authority Tourism Division. VisitHattiesburg, our local visitors bureau, has again generously sponsored a challenge purchase award for a 24" x 24" wall quilt featuring the theme "Find Your True South."  VisitHattiesburg sponsored the "Miss Hattie" challenge at the 2008 show and the "Hattiesburg Train Depot" and "USM" challenges at the 2010 show.

“‘Find Your True South’ is more than a catchy phrase or slogan. It truly encompasses the essence of Mississippi and how the world views us,” said Mary Beth Wilkerson, MDA Tourism director. “The new brand is result of nearly a year of careful, methodical research and planning that included Mississippi residents and stakeholders, consumers including visitors and tourism professionals, and our competitors. Ultimately, Mississippi was identified as THE most Southern state.”

"The 'Find Your True South' brand invites visitors to experience and discover their own Mississippi. Mississippi is an authentic place offering a rich tourist experience. The state’s history, heritage and outdoor opportunities are second to none. Mississippi is the birthplace of America’s music and the heart of Southern literature; Southern culinary experiences point right to the Mississippi table. Mississippi is synonymous with Southern culture, and we rise to the top for gaming with a Southern flair."  (quoting) State of Mississippi Announces New Tourism Branding Initiative,  www.visitmississippi.org