He has been to just about every Wesson Founders Day in theevent’s 22-year history. Many of those years he spent visiting thesmall Copiah County town from Port Gibson just to attend thefestival with his mother.

Those visits to Founders Day served as an introduction to thecharm Wesson offers and must have made a big impression on JoeyJackson as he chose to relocate to Wesson several years later.

“I always loved (Wesson),” said Jackson. “It’s quiet. It’s agreat place to live.”

This year’s Wesson Founders Day festivities began Friday eveningin downtown with the sounds of several gospel groups. Residents andvendors then geared up for an eventful Saturday.

The morning came early for those registering for the 5k run andshortly after residents and visitors to Wesson took to the streetslistening to music, participating in activities, shopping at morethan 50 vendors and enjoying such culinary treats as gator on astick, boiled seafood and funnel cake.

“I think we have a diverse selection of things to do,” saidWesson Chamber of Commerce Vice President Marilyn Britt.

While visitors to Founders Day enjoyed multiple activities andentertainment during the day, the celebration continued throughoutthe night. Festival-goers enjoyed entertainment by the DixielandCloggers and put on their dancing shoes as the function ended witha street dance to the music of The Cowboy Blues Band.

“It’s a wonderful day,” said Britt. “We’ve had a hugeresponse.”

The town’s slogan, “nice place, nice people” was more than acatch phrase Saturday. The atmosphere was filled with family fun asrelatives and friends walked the streets grinning ear to ear whileenjoying everything the festival had to offer.

“It’s something fun for the kids and it’s a good place where youdon’t have to worry about anything bad going on,” said Jackson.

The day was about more than sugar-coated pastry and golden friedfood on a stick. The function served as a reminder of Wesson’s richhistory, which dates back to 1864.

“It’s just a celebration of our town, and I think people areproud of our town,” said Britt.