Gotta Do This…Pardon Johnny Cash Flower Pickin’ Festival
Okay, the Pardon Johnny Cash Flower Pickin’ Festival on October 17-19 in Starkville, Miss., is one of those events that you should do at least once in your lifetime.
If you aren’t too familiar with Cash’s, um, colorful background, you might not fully understand the title of this event. Long story short: In 1965, after performing at Mississippi State, Cash was inebriated and somehow wound up in a local resident’s flower bed. He was arrested for public drunkenness. He then wrote the song, “Starkville City Jail.” In 1970, he returned for another performance at Mississippi State and gave front row seat tickets to the officers involved in his arrest five years ago.
Don’t misunderstand, this isn’t an event celebrating being drunk and getting arrested. No, it focuses on how imperfect we all are and more importantly, how we can redeem ourselves with small gestures like Cash did.
Now that you know the background, the three-day event features everything from live music performances to presentations/talks by people who were close to Cash.
On October 16, take a walking tour to see the dedication of Room 22 at University Hotel where Cash was supposed to have spent the night in 1965, the Copeland’s property where he was found in their flower bed and the jail.
And if you think you can sing somewhat like Johnny, prove it at the karaoke event on October 17.
Quick Take
What: Pardon Johnny Cash Flower Pickin’ Festival
Where: Starkville, Miss.,
When: October 17-19
Cost: Varies depending on packages
Photo credit: Johnny Cash’s Guitar, flickr, creative commons by Krista76
Related Stories
POSTED IN: Festivals, Fairs, and Events, Southern Byways, Things to See in Mississippi
0 opinions for Gotta Do This…Pardon Johnny Cash Flower Pickin’ Festival
No one has left a comment yet. You know what this means, right? You could be first!
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: