Another Great Turnout for the Annual Ridgeland Pecan Festival
RIDGELAND, MS – Beautiful weather, live music, and fall festivities brought nearly 3,000 people to Freedom Ridge Park on Saturday, October 24, for the 2nd Annual Ridgeland Pecan Festival.
Building on the success of its inaugural year, the festival featured more than 60 vendors and participants, including local craftsmen, farmers market vendors, food trucks, a pecan dessert showcase, information tables, and live artist demonstrations. Families enjoyed a kids’ zone, pecan treats, and musical performances throughout the day.
The festival returned with a new honor. This summer, the Mississippi Municipal League presented the inaugural Ridgeland Pecan Festival with a 2026 Municipal Excellence Award for City Spirit, honoring innovative programs, citizen participation, and community partnerships. Created following Ridgeland’s 125th anniversary year, when the pecan was officially designated as the City Tree, the festival celebrates the City’s agricultural roots and history through old-fashioned family fun.
This year’s vendors and participants included:
Craftsmen: T&D Crafting Co., Sweet Magnolia Creations, J. Steven Designs, Kit White Print Maker, TWO14, Afghans by Aftan, Nerdy Laundry, Moss Pottery, Bentley’s Furbaby Treasures, Summers & Gulley, The Wood Shop, KANDLNICHOLS, Tucker’s Pretty Good Art, Nic Neese Glass, In Stitches, Portrait Phenomena, Nadabutter, Tina’s Loft, Throwing Hands Pottery, Creative Crafts, Moni McKee, Gordon Brothers, Humble Vessel Pottery, Paint Me Creations, Merchandise Booth, and Grace Outdoor Furniture.
Farmers Market: Hooey Honey, Bee Bee’s Pecan Treats, Cypress Point Pecans, Twelve2 Farm, Twisted W Farms, Miss Bailey Baking, The Ridgeland Garden Club, Roots for Ridgeland History, Magnolia Pecan Delights, Geneva Springs Farm, Sippity, and Jesicia’s Treat Boutique.
Food Trucks: BBQ Shine, Hot Tamale Heaven, Bee Bee’s Lemonade, Loren’s Colombian Kitchen, DJ’s Eatery, and Mo Betta Dessert Bar.
Pecan Dessert Showcase: Buenos Aires Bakery, Cakes by Chanel, Amerigo Ridgeland, and Mayor McGee’s Pecan Pies.
Information Tables: Explore Ridgeland, Ridgeland Library, Historical Society of Ridgeland, and Keep Ridgeland Beautiful.
Children’s Bookseller: Domonique Jackson, Harry the Hippo.
Live Music: The Accumulators, Tim Avalon & Co., D’lo Trio, and Hired Man’s Horse.
Live Artist Demonstrations: Brian Hill, wood carver, and Alma Ellis, hand weaver.
Kids’ Zone: A beekeeper, balloon animals, face painting, pumpkin painting, a crown-making station, lawn games, a bear character, a photo opportunity, and Born to Pop: Gourmet Popcorn & Nuts.
The City extends a warm thank you to all participating vendors and musicians, as well as the Historical Society of Ridgeland, Keep Ridgeland Beautiful, Explore Ridgeland, the Ridgeland Public Library, Imaginary Company, Mars Marketing, Vertigo Sound, Mississippi Tent & Party Rental, Green Oak, Gotta Go, and Ron Blaylock Photography.
Special thanks go to festival sponsors Explore Ridgeland, Benchmark Construction, Entergy, and BankPlus for their support, and to WLBT, Freshway Produce, and Martinson’s Garden Works for in-kind sponsorships and pumpkin donations.
The City recognizes Kim Cooper, Director of Public Relations and Festival Chair, for planning and executing this growing community tradition. Special appreciation also goes to the City’s Recreation and Parks team for their hard work assisting with event setup, and to volunteers from the Mayor’s Youth Council and City staff for their time and support.
With increased attendance and an expanded vendor lineup, the second annual Ridgeland Pecan Festival gave residents and visitors another reason to “Fall in Love with the Season!”
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