Ronald Thomas

Greenville, Mississippi is the Heart and Soul of the Mississippi Delta. Located along the Mississippi River, Greenville is a historic city with a vibrant community and rich cultural heritage. This vibrant city of 34,400 residents, and the seat of Washington County. Greenville is home to MARS Food North America, which produces all Uncle Ben's Rice and U.S. Gypsum, the largest ceiling tile manufacturer in North America. Stein Mart Stores was founded in 1902 when the first store opened in Downtown Greenville. Every year, on the 3rd Saturday in September, Greenville holds the oldest Blues festival in the country, the Delta Blues and Heritage Festival. Revelers travel from across the country and around the world to hear the music in the place where it all began. Greenville is home to many talented blues musicians who got their start on Historic Nelson Street. From Mississippi Slim to Eden Brent, the Blues is king in Greenville and across the Delta. Country music star Steve Azar is from Greenville, and he infuses his southern tunes with a full helping of Blues. The Mighty Mississippi Music Festival celebrates Blues inspired music on the 1st weekend in October. Greenville is also the "Hot Tamale Capital of the World", a designation first conferred upon the city by the Southern Foodways Alliance in recognition of the city's unique culinary and cultural history. Come try this delicacy yourself at the Delta Hot Tamale Festival, held annually on the 3rd Saturday of October.