During a recent interview with Hunter Peters, the dedicated founder and president of Town Appreciation Day, he shared the history and significance of this cherished community event. When asked how long this tradition has been a part of our community, he explained that it has been five years since its inception, but the first year doesn’t really count since it was just him with a hot dog cart in O’Reilly’s parking lot. Officially, town appreciation day has been celebrated for four years.

Peters started Town Appreciation Day because his frequent work travels made him miss and appreciate home. He likes to introduce something new each year. This year’s newest additions will be a dunking booth and axe throwing. Sonic will also be there giving out pretzels and lemonade. In the past, it has featured a car show, bike show, side-by side show, bouncy house, face painting, live band, raffles, and food trucks; this year will be the same.

The community’s excitement has been overwhelming with attendees praising the event and expressing surprise that everything is completely free. Peters emphasized the importance of community involvement noting that both businesses and individuals can get involved by becoming sponsors or making donations.

Peters favorite part of Town Appreciation Day is seeing children get their faces painted and jumping on the bounce houses. All donations and left over sponsorship funds go to the Tishomingo County High School College fund, focusing on students pursuing trades such as welding and nursing.

Hunter hopes Town Appreciation Day continues to grow. “I’m not going to say it’s going to be as big as the Heritage Day Festival, but I hope it’s half the size. Without our sponsors, we would not be able to see Town Appreciation Day continue to grow, and I am eternally grateful,” Peters said.

Town Appreciation Day will be this Saturday June 29, 2024 from 8:00 am-5:00 pm at Jaybird Park in Iuka Mississippi.