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Friday May 21st is National Bike to work day and the Tupelo CVB would like to support the City of Tupelo in its efforts of urging people to bike to work tomorrow. Some people live too far from their work place to bike from home so we will offer a starting point for those cyclists. You can park your car at Rob Leake City Park, 1107 Joyner Avenue, and bike into town and the Tupelo CVB will offer a shuttle at 9:00 a.m. back to Rob Leake City Park for you to pick up your car. There will be no charge for this and the shuttle will run following the Bike to Work breakfast at the parking lot next to CDF. For more information on the shuttle service contact the Tupelo CVB at 841-6521.
Of the little I know about emerging technology, I am certain of this – it has to be engaging and fresh and ever-changing and it takes a talent to get it right. Matt Wyatt, sports development director at the Tupelo CVB, stands out in my book as one that is definitely getting it right.
Matt had an idea and a video camera, a digital camera, a microphone, some green fabric hanging on the wall, a youtube channel and a blog spot later, that idea has taken a life of its own.
Kudos to him for presenting himself and the Tupelo CVB is such a positive way!
Find him -
- On twitter at www.twitter.com/tupelosports; (but follow us too – www.twitter.com/visittupelo)
- Be a fan of his on facebook at www.facebook.com/Tupelosports.net;
- Visit the youtube channel at www.youtube.com/tupelosports#p; and
- Subscribe to the sports blog at www.tupelosportsblog.com.
The Tupelo Film Commission is getting ready to host its first Independent Film Series event for 2010. Full Moon Lightnin’ will be shown Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. at the Link Centre Black Box Theater. For only $5, you can see the film, directed and produced by John Gardiner, while enjoying popcorn and a drink. John Gardiner will introduce the film and hang out afterwards for a question and answer. Films in the Indie Film Series are shown monthly and normally fall on the 4th Thursday of each month.
Full Moon Lightnin’ is the story of a spiritual four-year journey through heartache, abandonment and racial divide told through the parallel stories of two blues artists. The film takes you along as New York City bluesman, Floyd Lee and his band embark on a deeply personal journey back home to Mississippi to reconnect with the family he left behind and search for the family he never knew. It also follows the story of guitarist Joel Poluck, who steers Floyd’s career towards musical success while his personal life spins out of control. It’s a touching film and we hope you’ll be able to join us!
Tupelo’s spring event season is fast approaching and with 8 events scattered from March to June, it is sure to be a busy time. Two new events will be making their festival debut this year – both in Ballard Park. The Minerva Music Festival will be held on March 13 and will feature alternative music including such well-known acts as Saving Abel. More information can be found at www.minervamusicfest.com. On April 9 and 10, the Up, Up & Away Balloon Festival will feature tethered balloon rides, races and family activities. A website is under construction and you can find a link, when available, through the Tupelo Calendar of Events at www.tupelo.net.
Other events this spring and summer include – Azalea Festival (April 10), Tupelo Blue Suede Cruise (April 29-May 2), Dudies Burger Festival (May 1), GumTree Arts Festival (May 7-9), Tupelo Film Festival (May 13-15), Tupelo Elvis Festival (June 3-6) and Living History at Brice’s Crossroads (June 12-13). Again, for all events in Tupelo, please see the Calendar of Events at www.tupelo.net.
Just a reminder for the community, the tourism industry from Mississippi will gather in Tupelo February 28 – March 2 for their annual Governor’s Conference. People from across the state in every segment of tourism will be here to network, participate in industry workshops and, in general, have a lot of fun. It’s important that the conference is here in Tupelo because the industry works together to attract tourists to Mississippi. Tourists come to Mississippi and make stops in multiple cities. This event helps to showcase our city to those people helping consumers decide where to spend their limited time and dollars.
If you have any questions about Tupelo’s attractions or events, feel free to call us at 800-533-0611. Stop by the CVB when you’re in Downtown Tupelo and see our special exhibit through June 30. Elvis’ “chain jumpsuit” as featured in the movie “That’s the Way It is” and Marty Stuart’s “pilgrim” costume are displayed in the CVB lobby.
The Tupelo Film Commission is getting ready to host its first Independent Film Series event for 2010. Full Moon Lightnin’ will be shown Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. at the Link Centre Black Box Theater. For only $5, you can see the film, directed and produced by John Gardiner, while enjoying popcorn and a drink. John Gardiner will introduce the film and hang out afterwards for a question and answer. Films in the Indie Film Series are shown monthly and normally fall on the 4th Thursday of each month.
Full Moon Lightnin’ is the story of a spiritual four-year journey through heartache, abandonment and racial divide told through the parallel stories of two blues artists. The film takes you along as New York City bluesman, Floyd Lee and his band embark on a deeply personal journey back home to Mississippi to reconnect with the family he left behind and search for the family he never knew. It also follows the story of guitarist Joel Poluck, who steers Floyd’s career towards musical success while his personal life spins out of control. It’s a touching film and we hope you’ll be able to join us!
Tupelo’s spring event season is fast approaching and with 8 events scattered from March to June, it is sure to be a busy time. Two new events will be making their festival debut this year – both in Ballard Park. The Minerva Music Festival will be held on March 13 and will feature alternative music including such well-known acts as Saving Abel. More information can be found at www.minervamusicfest.com. On April 9 and 10, the Up, Up & Away Balloon Festival will feature tethered balloon rides, races and family activities. A website is under construction and you can find a link, when available, through the Tupelo Calendar of Events at www.tupelo.net.
Other events this spring and summer include – Azalea Festival (April 10), Tupelo Blue Suede Cruise (April 29-May 2), Dudies Burger Festival (May 1), GumTree Arts Festival (May 7-9), Tupelo Film Festival (May 13-15), Tupelo Elvis Festival (June 3-6) and Living History at Brice’s Crossroads (June 12-13). Again, for all events in Tupelo, please see the Calendar of Events at www.tupelo.net.
Just a reminder for the community, the tourism industry from Mississippi will gather in Tupelo February 28 – March 2 for their annual Governor’s Conference. People from across the state in every segment of tourism will be here to network, participate in industry workshops and, in general, have a lot of fun. It’s important that the conference is here in Tupelo because the industry works together to attract tourists to Mississippi. Tourists come to Mississippi and make stops in multiple cities. This event helps to showcase our city to those people helping consumers decide where to spend their limited time and dollars.
If you have any questions about Tupelo’s attractions or events, feel free to call us at 800-533-0611. Stop by the CVB when you’re in Downtown Tupelo and see our special exhibit through June 30. Elvis’ “chain jumpsuit” as featured in the movie “That’s the Way It is” and Marty Stuart’s “pilgrim” costume are displayed in the CVB lobby.
Happy Birthday Elvis!
So much is going on for Elvis’ 75th birthday in January that I wanted to run it down for you. For more information on these activites, visit our calendar at www.tupelo.net.
January 7
2:00 – Unveiling of Guitar Art in Downtown Tupelo
7:30 – Concert at the Lyric Theater featuring Brandon Bennett and Bill Cherry – both Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Competition winners
January 8
10:00 a.m. – Unveiling of a special exhibit with Marty Stuart at the Tupelo CVB
10:00 a.m. – Official opening time of the Marty Stuart music memorabilia collection Sparkle and Twang at the Tupelo Automobile Museum
1:00 p.m. – Birthday party at the Elvis Presley Birthplace
2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Marty Stuart Booksigning at the Tupelo Automobile Museum
8:00 p.m. – Marty Stuart concert at the Link Centre
What is Sparkle and Twang? An amazing collection of personal items from America’s most famous musicians – everyone from Johnny Cash to Bob Dylan- including original handwritten lyrics, photographs, costumes and instruments. Find out more at www.sparkleandtwang.info. You can see it in Tupelo starting January 8 through June, 2010 at the Tupelo Automobile Museum. I think it’s truly fitting that the exhibit would premiere in Marty Stuart’s home state in the Birthplace of Elvis Presley – Elvis certainly believed in some Sparkle and Twang!
Has anyone else got anything planned to celebrate Elvis’ birthday? Please let me know at scoomer@tupelo.net.
Welcome this weekend to the MS Super Seniors State Tennis Tournament. Competitors from all across the state will be in Tupelo to vie for the state championship in the 55 & older category!
Don’t be surprised if you look up next week (October 15-17th) and see a bunch of bikers headed down the streets of Tupelo. The Gold Wing Road Riders Association is holding its annual rally in Tupelo for the first time. Hopefully, it’s a tradition that will continue for many years to come. One of the organizers told us that they “eat to ride and ride to eat” so our restaurants should be prepared as well.
Have you made plans for Halloween? Our suggestion is to start your celebration on October 22nd at the Link Centre with the Tupelo Film Commission. The Commission’s Indie Film Series features a scarrrrryyyyyyy movie – The Night of the Loup Garou. For some preview goosebumps, take a look at the trailer – http://www.tupelo.net/film-festival/. Event starts at 6:30 and $5 gets you in the door and a complimentary coke and popcorn.
On November 12, the Tupelo CVB will have a special guest visit our office. Opie the Monkey from the Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo will be here to entertain and educate around 50 elementary students from South Pontotoc before they head over to the BancorpSouth Arena to watch the NEMO show. For those of you not familiar with Opie, he is Oliver’s son. Though he hasn’t shown a great deal of his daddy’s lock-picking talents, he is as cute as Oliver ever thought about being. I can’t wait to meet him!
Don’t forget to log onto www.tupelosports.net and enter the Egg Bowl giveaway and to vote for your favorite Ole Miss and Mississippi State classic calls each week!
Also, if you are into social media, be our friend at www.facebook.com/tupelo.cvb or follow us twitter for chatter about Tupelo, Elvis and tourism. We are @VisitTupelo and @TupeloSports.
Lastly, our major upcoming event will be the celebration of what would have been Elvis’ 75th birthday in January, 2010. Any ideas on a party fit for a King? We would love to have your input!! And remember, sometimes you just have to ask yourself, “What would Elvis do?”
Tupelo Sports has posted their first week of Ole Miss and Mississippi State classic calls. Visit http://www.tupelo.net/sports_2009/callofthegame/ and vote for your favorite classic call. WARNING: Listening to these calls, will get you in the mood for some football!!!!!!
Also, don’t forget to enter to win a great Egg Bowl Getaway. You’ve got a chance to win -
- Tickets for two to the Egg Bowl on November 28th in Starkville, MS
- Accommodations for two for November 27th and November 28th in Tupelo, MS
- Dinner for two for Friday, November 27th
- Tupelo Tailgating Picnic
- University merchandise (you choose the team!)
- Passes to Tupelo’s attractions
Enter here – http://www.tupelo.net/sports_2009/eggbowl/
Tupelo Sports – where athletes go to Get in the Game!
Thanks for everyone that joined us for the Community Pep Rally at the Down on Main concert series on Thursday night. We had a great turnout and lots of people had their picture taken with the Golden Egg. For those of you not there, Tupelo Sports announced their partnership with Ole Miss and Mississippi State to promote Tupelo as the state’s premiere destination for sporting events. One of the coolest elements to come out of the partnership is the “Classic Call of the Game.” You will all have a favorite – that great play that sends cold chills down your spine. Each week, Tupelo Sports (www.tupelosports.net) will post classic calls from match-ups between Ole Miss and Mississippi State and their opponents for the week. You get to cast your vote for the winning call! What a great way to re-live your favorite sports memories. The first calls will be posted by Friday of this week. You can also enter to win an awesome Egg Bowl giveaway at www.tupelosport.net. Tupelo Sports will also sponsor a “get in the game” moment during game day broadcasts where you will get an “insider’s” view in the huddle, on the sidelines or in the dug-out with your favorite team. The campaign will run through football, basketball and baseball seasons.
Listen for Tupelo Sports on the coaches’call-in shows and during game-day broadcasts, look for us on the Ole Miss and Mississippi State websites, vote for your favorite classic calls of the game, enter to win a trip to the Egg Bowl and think Tupelo when it is time for you to Get in the Game!
Tupelo Film Commission in the Spotlight
The spirit of the independent filmmaker is alive and well in Tupelo evidenced by an array of production work, screenings and location scouting taking place on a daily basis. Just for a touch of what’s going on, read below. To keep up with all that’s happening in the film world in Tupelo, sign up for the Tupelo Film Commission newsletter at www.tupelofilmfestival.net.
Coming up this month – The Independent Film Series presented by the Tupelo Film Commission will be screening “Homecoming: Tupelo Welcomes Elvis Home,” a documentary by local filmmakers Jim Palmer and Roy Turner on Thursday, August 27th. The event will be held in the Black Box Venue at the Link Centre – 1800 West Main Street in Tupelo starting at 6:30. The documentary is the story of Elvis’ first performance at the fair in 1945 and his celebrated return to Tupelo in 1956. Cost is just $5 and includes a soda and popcorn. Filmmakers will be in attendance.
September – Tupelo will also be participating in the Manhattan Short Film Festival on September 24th. The Festival received 428 film entries from 36 countries, from which 10 Finalists were selected. Cinema-goers in Tupelo will be able to join with a global audience of over 100,000 film-lovers who will select the Festival winner. The films will be shown at the Malco Theater beginning at 7 p.m. with tickets available ONLY at the Tupelo CVB at 399 East Main Street or by calling 800-533-0611. Tickets are available now for $6 and seating is limited. Voting cards will be given at the door and each participant will have the opportunity to judge the films.
On top of all of this special event planning, TFC has just launched a new website for the Tupelo Film Festival, sent out their first newsletter, set up a Facebook page and started accepting entries for the 2010 Tupelo Film Festival. You can check it all out at www.tupelofilmfestival.net!
Coming Soon – The Tupelo Film Commission website!
The more the merrier – Tupelo High School is joining the community football kick off on Thursday in the Fairpark District. Come down and meet and mingle with the Golden Wave players and cheerleaders! Events starting at 4 with Matt Wyatt broadcasting SportsDrive live, followed by Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Tupelo Sports making a partnership announcement, then Golden Wave introductions and great music as “Down on Main” presents the Benders and Blue Mountain!
This is going to be a lot of fun!!
