Squeeze everyone in
Sep 17, 2018
CLEVELAND, MS -- For those who love to eat rice, the 28th Annual Delta Rice Luncheon was the place to be last Friday. More than 500 people from across the Mississippi Delta came to celebrate National Rice Month at the annual luncheon sponsored by Delta Rice Promotions and USA Rice.
The focus of the event was the many delicious rice dishes provided by local restaurants, but the day also included updates from Bolivar County’s Extension Service and Farm Bureau as well as door prizes.
The history of this event dates back to 1991 when President George H.W. Bush signed the official proclamation designating September as National Rice Month. That year Bolivar County officials decided to celebrate the occasion with a rice tasting luncheon that was so successful it became an annual tradition. The luncheon is held on the third Friday of September.
“Every year we have a crowd but we’re always pleasantly surprised by the number of visitors we have from out of town,” said Candy Davis, chair of Delta Rice Promotions. “They learn so much they didn’t know about rice production in Mississippi, and that makes the education element of the luncheon exciting.”