Schedule

Mississippi Rural Placemaking Summit
September 24, 2025

Opening Plenary will be held at an outdoor theatre located at 305 S Main St, Yazoo City, MS 39194 

Breakout sessions will be held at: 

● 331 Event Hall (331 S Mound St, Yazoo City, MS 39194) 

● The Happy Medium (123 W Broadway St, Yazoo City, MS 39194) 

● Old Gringo Saloon & Restaurant (305 S Main St, Yazoo City, MS 39194) 

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

7:45 am Registration begins (light breakfast available)

8:30 am - 10:30 am
Opening Plenary (Smith Park Outdoor Theatre, 305 S. Main Street) 

• 8:30 am - 9:00 am: Music by Bentonia bluesman Jimmy “Duck” Holmes 

• 9:00 am: Welcome from local leaders: Senator Thomas, Representative Kevin Ford, Representative James-Jones and Board of Supervisors President Joe Thomas 

• 9:30 am: Remarks from CFM President & CEO, Jane Alexander 

• Panel discussion and Q&A with national experts, Jeff Siegler, of Revitalize or Die and Rebecca Sanborn Stone of Community Workshop

10:30 - 10:45 am
Break and transition to sessions 

10:45 am - 12:15 pm
Concurrent Breakout Sessions (1) 

12:15 pm - 1:30 pm
Lunch at local downtown eateries and Summit Lunch Block Party 

1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Concurrent Breakout Sessions (2) 

3:00 - 3:15 pm
Break and transition to sessions 

3:15 - 4:45 pm
Concurrent Breakout Sessions (3) 

4:45 pm - 6:00 pm
Summit Reception at Old Gringo Saloon & Restaurant