Ask anyone about Union Mississippi’s Country Day, and you will often hear the words “homecoming” and “community.” For years Country Day has been a much-loved event where people buy a variety of things from local vendors, admire crafts, play games, enjoy food, listen to music, and spend time with family and friends. Many residents of Union and beyond grew up participating in Country Day. Those same people come back every year and bring their children and grandchildren. People of all ages enjoy the activities.
People who have grown up in Union and participated in Country Day know about the fun, but where did the festivities begin, and where does the event’s name originate? Mrs. Mary Ware, a life-long Unionite, lived, worked, and participated in our community her entire life. She has seen changes in the small town of Union through the lenses of raising children and running a business. With her knowledge of Country Day, Mrs. Ware provides an origin for the name placed for the day by describing Union’s history on many Saturday afternoons: “Country people came to town on Saturday afternoons. There was not an open parking place in town. My husband worked for one of the grocery stores, and they would walk and carry groceries all the way to the Baptist church. It was almost like, on a small scale, the Neshoba County Fair.” By the late 1900s, Union was a booming town, hosting 3 car dealerships, a hotel, multiple furniture stores, and many other businesses. Everyone came to the nearest town, Union, on Saturdays to get appliances, furniture, cars, groceries, and other goods.
In 1976, a few people had an idea to dedicate a day for the community and surrounding areas to buy and sell. This fun day was basically a precursor to the Country Day that would soon emerge. Mrs. Ware describes the beginning of the festivities, “In 1976, it was a day where we would play games. Everyone would come to town. The old ladies were dressed up in long dresses and bonnets. The guys wore overalls.” Mrs. Ware continued by saying that everyone enjoyed that day so much that it led to the desire to create an annual event, and in 1977, it became Country Day. Mrs. Ware added, “Mr. Ed Johnson, Ashley Burroughs’ grandfather, was the main one who organized it. Everyone from the surrounding areas enjoyed it.” The first Country Day offered vendors, food, entertainment, contests, and other highlights. Country Day also included events such as the mule pull and Country Gal and Boy contest. Some women even competed in the skillet throwing competition, a contest to see who could throw a pan the farthest.
With the 47th annual Country Day now underway, the Chamber of Commerce has prepared a schedule for the traditional community-loved day. Mrs. Sandy Robinson, who serves as one of the twelve Chamber of Commerce board members, told us about the true meaning of Country Day for many people, her own personal memories of Country Day, and things to look forward to for the upcoming event: “We're all about tradition and trying to keep it the way it's always been. We always have new vendors that come. We try to make the kid-zone a little bit bigger and add another inflatable or something for them to enjoy. It’s all about tradition and keeping the same things we grew up doing alive. It’s different because as a child, you know, you have this one perception of fun, and now I’m working it. It’s a lot to do, but it’s important to us to keep these traditions alive. To introduce them to the younger generations. Country Day is really to celebrate and promote local businesses. It’s a time to come together and share our small town USA as a community.”
Thank you for your hardwork and dedication:
Matthew Anthony, Sandy Robinson, Neal McCarty, Joyce Holifield, Harvey Hickmon, Lauren Bennet, Jennifer Thames, Jenna Jones, Thomas Fortenberry, Jim Ogletree, Annalyse Shoemaker, and everyone else who helps make Country Day possible.
Not only is it a big week for the town, but also for Union Public School District. We are preparing to celebrate homecoming. Homecoming festivities will kick off Monday at 6:00 P.M. with a parade and block party. There will also be dress up days throughout the week:
Monday: Million Dollar Jackets: Dress in Gold
Tuesday: Should Have Been a Cowboy: Western Attire
Wednesday: Swag Surfin Jackets: Best Beach Outfit
Thursday: Party In the USA: Red, White and Blue
Friday: Welcome to Our House at the U: Black and Gold.
A pep rally will be held on Friday afternoon at 1:30 P.M. in the Union High School Gymnasium. The week culminates with the homecoming game on Friday at 7:00 P.M., and the crowning of the 2024 homecoming queen at halftime. We hope everyone will come out to support our Jackets!
