When driving around Ridgeland, you may notice the traffic signal boxes recently wrapped with pecan tree-themed artwork, or maybe you’ve seen the new historical marker about pecans inside Freedom Ridge Park. As part of the city’s 125th anniversary last year, it officially designated the pecan tree as the city tree and continues to find ways to celebrate one of the first documented crops in the area.
For instance, this Saturday, Ridgeland will have its inaugural Pecan Festival. Fittingly, it will be hosted under the pecan trees at Freedom Ridge Park and feature plenty of food – yes, lots of pecan desserts included – live music, and family-friendly activities.
The festival will go from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and also include a farmers market with pumpkins, a flower stand, craftsmen tents, live art demonstrations, and a kids’ zone. Information tables will also be set up by Explore Ridgeland, Historical Society of Ridgeland, Ridgeland Public Library, and Keep Ridgeland Beautiful.
“We are excited to introduce the first Pecan Festival to honor Ridgeland’s history,” Kim Cooper, chair of the Pecan Festival Planning Committee, said. “Our goal is to create a welcoming event where families, friends, and visitors can enjoy everything from pecan treats and live music to local art and children’s activities. There truly will be something special for everyone.”
Joining Cooper in making the Pecan Festival happen were committee members Jane McGee, Nancy Watson, Lisa Walters, John Sidney North, Ben McDonald, Carly Brandon, Jan Richardson, Betsy Ross, Karen McKie, Jim Woodrick, Matt Dodd, Matthew Magee, Catherine Sledge, Amelia Dalton, Crystal Pham, and Krystal Watson.
Admission to the festival is free. Freedom Ridge Park is located at 253 West School Street in Ridgeland.
