MC Delegation Spices Up 2012 Mississippi Picnic at Washington Mall

Landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument and Smithsonian museum will be among this summer’s destination points for Mississippi College alumni.

Mississippi catfish, hushpuppies and live music will be some of the other attractions for MC family members gathering at the annual Mississippi on the Mall picnic in Washington, D.C. on June 23.

The event is set for Henry Bacon Park that’s named for the New York architect who designed the Lincoln Memorial. The park is located adjacent to the magnificent memorial constructed between 1914 and 1922. The fun in Washington on that Saturday lasts from 3-7 p.m.

Armed with MC fact cards, copies of the “Beacon” magazine, college brochures and other items, Lori Bobo of Clinton, the university’s coordinator of alumni affairs, is excited about making her first DC picnic trip.

Hosting the event is the Mississippi Society of Washington, D.C., a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the state’s best interests in the nation’s capital. Founded in 1892, the group is the second oldest active state society in Washington.

The Mississippi society’s roster includes 400 members such as political leaders, attorneys, lobbyists, college students, retired military, business people and others with ties to the Magnolia State. Gov. Phil Bryant, former Gov. Haley Barbour, members of Mississippi’s congressional delegation plus statewide elected officials are among the members. Bryant and Third District U.S. Rep. Gregg Harper, are both Mississippi College graduates.

Bobo’s social calendar in June looks pretty busy every weekend. One June 9, the Clintonian will represent Mississippi College at the annual Mississippi picnic in Central Park. Gov. Bryant is expected to be among the state officials on hand. MC will be among several state colleges and universities with booths under big tents.

On June 30, the MC alumni leader will visit Atlanta’s Chastain Park for the annual Mississippi picnic in Georgia with Penn’s restaurant supplying the catfish, chicken plates and hushpuppies.

Also making the Peach State road trip in late June will be retired Mississippi College administrator Doc Quick and alumni association staff member Lisa Williams. Delta State University, Mississippi State University and the University of Southern Mississippi will be among the other in-state schools represented.

Baseball fans are in for a treat in Georgia. Mississippians arriving a day earlier can buy tickets to see the Atlanta Braves face the Washington Nationals on the evening of June 29.

For more information, contact Lori Bobo at 601.925.3252 or lbobo@mc.edu.