Trustmark's Red Beans and Rice Festival has become one of Jackson's most anticipated fall events. Each year, over 30 restaurants, congregations, professionals, and individuals vie for the coveted title of Best Red Beans recipe in town. Planned by a hard-working committee of volunteers and sponsored by Jackson's finest corporate citizens, this family festival offers good, clean fun for everyone! The festival also includes prizes for Best Dressed Booth and for Best Costume.

Music is also one of the many highlights of the event. Past performers include Eddie Cotton, the Subdudes, the Puerto Rican Rum Drunks, Jimbo Mathus and the Knockdown Society and many others.

At the Stewpot booth, our teens display and sell handmade jewelry. Many of our community members sell their art, and staff are on hand to sign up volunteers and tell anyone who asks more about Stewpot.

Facts:

• 100% of the proceeds from the Red Beans & Rice Festival benefit Stewpot Community Services
  
• Between 1,000 and 1,500 people attend the event every year
  
• Over 300 gallons of red beans are consumed each year!
  
• Anyone can be a contestant! If you think you or your group's red beans recipe can stand the test, download a contestant registration form here or contact Michelle Bingham at 353-2759 or at mbingham@stewpot.org.

Volunteering:

We always need volunteers for the day of the event. Volunteers take up tickets, replenish contestant supplies as needed, staff the children's area, and cover the beverage areas. In return for working a two-hour shift, volunteers get in free. If you are interested in volunteering for the Red Beans and Rice Festival, please contact Michelle Bingham at mbingham@stewpot.org, or call 353-2759.

To become a sponsor, contact Frank Spencer at fsencer@stewpot.org , or call 353-2759.