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Rolling Fork, MS

Rolling Fork, Mississippi is the home of the Teddy Bear and Blues great Muddy Waters. 

With a population of 2500, Rolling Fork is the only city located in Sharkey and Issaquena counties, making it the hub of any activitiy in the 2 county region.  The city boasts two festivals each year, the Deep Delta Festival in the Spring and the Great Delta Bear Affair in October.  Located on Highway 61, the Blues Highway, halfway between Leland and Vicksburg, Mississippi, Rolling Fork is a perfect stop along the route.  Tour the Chainsaw carved bears, walk the downtown square, visit Mont Helena and enjoy the friendly people in this small Delta town. During the month of October, visit Farmer Jim's Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze for traditional and decorative pumpkins, or to navigate the 5 acre corn maze.

The only Bottomland Hardwood Forest in the US Forest system is near Rolling Fork. 60,000 acres of contiguous bottomland hardwoods make up Delta National Forest which is located entirely in Sharkey County.  Home to many species of wildlife, the forest makes a great place for hunting, hiking, horseback riding, wildlife watching and more. More information may be obtained from US Forest Service - Delta National Forest office located in the USDA building on the Hwy. 61 Frontage Road on the south end of Rolling Fork (662-873-6256).

 

 

Each year the Great Delta Bear Affair has chainsaw artist, Dayton Scoggins carve a new bear for the community. This bear from the 2008 festival is located by the Sharkey Issaquena Community Hospital.

Each year the Great Delta Bear Affair has chainsaw artist, Dayton Scoggins carve a new bear for the community. This bear from the 2008 festival is located by the Sharkey Issaquena Community Hospital.

Mont Helena, a 1896 home built on a ceremonial Indian Mound is located north of Rolling Fork

Mont Helena, a 1896 home built on a ceremonial Indian Mound is located north of Rolling Fork

Rolling Fork is a stop on the Mississippi Blues Trail with a marker dedicated to Muddy Waters

Rolling Fork is a stop on the Mississippi Blues Trail with a marker dedicated to Muddy Waters

The Muddy Waters birthplace Blues Trail Marker was dedicated in December 2008, it is located in downtown Rolling Fork.

The Muddy Waters birthplace Blues Trail Marker was dedicated in December 2008, it is located in downtown Rolling Fork.

The Graft Barn (or Red Barn) built around 1920 is a landmark on Highway 61 in Rolling Fork

The Graft Barn (or Red Barn) built around 1920 is a landmark on Highway 61 in Rolling Fork

Like much of the Delta, Rolling Fork was under several feet of water during the Flood of 1927

Like much of the Delta, Rolling Fork was under several feet of water during the Flood of 1927

The Muddy Waters blues cabin is located adjacent to the Blues Trail marker in downtown Rolling Fork

The Muddy Waters blues cabin is located adjacent to the Blues Trail marker in downtown Rolling Fork

The Sharkey County Courthouse, built in 1902 is in the center of downtown Rolling Fork.

The Sharkey County Courthouse, built in 1902 is in the center of downtown Rolling Fork.

"Fireman Bear" was carved by Dayton Scoggins during the 2009 Great Delta Bear Affair

"Fireman Bear" was carved by Dayton Scoggins during the 2009 Great Delta Bear Affair

Delta National Forest, the only National bottomland hardwood forest, is located in Sharkey County and offers unlimited photo opportunities for photographers as well as habitat for many wildlife species

Delta National Forest, the only National bottomland hardwood forest, is located in Sharkey County and offers unlimited photo opportunities for photographers as well as habitat for many wildlife species

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News

January 1, 2012 - Happy New Year

January 24, 25 - Back Stage Pass - MAC/MDA/MMSA Festival Workshop in Bay St. Louis, MS

March 1 - Ticket to Mont Helena: A Dream Revisited go on sale (662-873-2080)

March 20 - 2012 Lower Delta Talks Series begins with Ben Payton on "The History of the Blues"

April 14 - Belzoni's World Catfish Festival

April 28 - Rolling Fork's Deep Delta Festival

October 27 - Rolling Fork's Great Delta Bear Affair