"Well they're bound to get you,
'Cause they got a curfew,
And you go to the Starkville city jail."
-Johnny Cash
Anne Parks, Jason, and I had a great time attending the Johnny Cash Flower Pickin' Festival in Starkville a few weekends ago. I'd emailed my friend Jessi to let her know about the goings-on in our home town, and I guess she just wasn't going to miss the opportunity to be a part of such a historical occasion as the pardoning of Johnny Cash. She booked a plane the next day and was in Mississippi before we knew it. It was a wonderful surprise to spend a weekend with my friend. She took some great photos that you can see by clicking here.
The day was filled with some great bluegrass and country music. That afternoon, the mayor and the sherriff presented Johnny Cash's posthumous pardon to his sister and daughter. After the pardoning, Marty Stewart and the Fabulous Superlatives took the stage. They put on a great show. I recommend seeing them if you get the chance.
Anne Parks read the brochure to let us know who was playing next. 
Anne Parks and I enjoyed the music and the sunshine.
It got pretty cold when the sun went down. Good thing we bought this cute hat at Mommasissy's store, MINT, earlier in the day. ______________________________________________________________
Here's little history lesson for those of you who aren't familar with Johnny Cash's Starkville connection... Johnny Cash was arrested for public drunkenness (though he described it as being picked up for picking flowers) in Starkville and held overnight at the city jail on May 11, 1965, which was the inspiration for his song "Starkville City Jail". The song appears on the album At San Quentin. Local oral tradition has it that he finished a gig at what is now the 'Dark Horse Tavern' and then walked a block west to the northwest corner of Lee Boulevard (now MLK) and Montgomery Street, where he helped himself to the flower bed at the front of the house.
An interesting tidbit for MSU KD's - Mom Palmer's husband was mayor when Cash was arrested. I saw her at the festival and she said she remembered the sheriff calling him at 2 am with the news that he'd arrested Johnny Cash.
An interesting tidbit for MSU KD's - Mom Palmer's husband was mayor when Cash was arrested. I saw her at the festival and she said she remembered the sheriff calling him at 2 am with the news that he'd arrested Johnny Cash.
3 comments:
oh i wish i had been there. i know we would have had sooooo much fun. ap is soo cute in that blue coat and her hat. i could eat her alive. miss you! heading to chicago after lunch (alone) for a much needed get away. can't wait to see you again!
XOXO
E
Hey Laura...
Long time! It's EJ/ Elizabeth (Jones) Williams. I found your blog through the other KD's. :) We have one too--don't you just love it? It's good to catch up with you via blog world. If you ever want to visit ours it is:
www.wacowilliamsfamily.blogspot.com
Congratulations on your baby girl--had no idea--she's precious...we just had our first 6 weeks ago. :) Well take care...just wanted to say hello.
ejw
Thanks again for housing me and letting me hitch a ride to Starkville with you. I miss you guys every day! Can't wait to see you in Starkville over the holidays.
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