The first New York Mississippi Picnic took place in 1979, when a small group of native Mississippians living in New York had a strong desire to improve the perceptions of both regions in regard to one another. “I felt that people in New York had negative ideas about people from Mississippi, and people from outside New York had a terrible image of Central Park,” says Rachel McPherson, one of the founders of the event. Rachel, along with Kay McDuffie, Ron and Vicki Carter, and Diane Wiltshire set about to improve these pre-conceived notions. In addition, some of the founders were homesick and wanted to network with Mississippians living in New York. “We wanted to do something visual that would attract the attention of the media and that everyone in the nation would see, and that is how the picnic was born,” says McPherson.

Nearly 500 people attended the first picnic more than 25 years ago. While the event received much attention from the media upon its christening, the founders had a strong desire to increase the size of the gathering. By the second year, the small group of founders had established The New York Society for the Preservation of Mississippi Heritage. The group of supporters had also grown to include former Governor of the State of Mississippi, William Winter, Congressman Sonny Montgomery, and New York Mayor Ed Koch. “Having Mayor Koch on board enabled us to fry catfish in Central Park,” adds McPherson. “I have very fond memories of every picnic,” she says. “ I particularly enjoyed watching Mayor Koch and Congressman Montgomery spittin’ watermelon seeds.”

The following years led to an increased involvement from universities throughout Mississippi. “The birth of alumni gatherings came about and the universities now use the picnic as a way of staying in touch with their alumni, and it helps serve as a fundraising vehicle for alums to support their university,” says McPherson. In addition, the event helps recruit prospective students for universities in Mississippi, and provides insight into the many wonderful institutions in the region.

The State of Mississippi has provided much help and support over the past 25 years. Every Governor has attended and supported the event. The picnic is an excellent tool to help promote Mississippi and tourism along with educating people about our state.

To date, there are more than 5,000 individuals and groups who are invited to attend the annual event which includes a plethora of food, competitions and varied musical guests. McPherson says, “This is a great day for Mississippians. We are proud to celebrate our heritage - a gift to us all.”