Miss-i-sippin’, the annual beer and food pairing fundraiser for the University of Mississippi Hospitality Management Program and the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council will guild the beer instead of the lily this year. A new partner, the Mississippi Brewers Guild, will help to bring both local beer and knowledge to the event scheduled April 11 from noon–6 pm at the Powerhouse Community Arts Center.
The event, which has continued to grow in popularity, has created a partnership with the
Guild that will highlight Mississippi-brewed beers with a new feature—the Mississippi Brewers Courtyard.
“This growth of Mississippi-brewed beers fits with our concept to celebrate Mississippi food and beverages,” shared Wayne Andrews, a founder of the event. “We have always had strong support from Mississippi-based food companies who provide product such as Polk’s, Delta Pride Catfish, Gulf Select Shrimp, and Sanderson Farms who, along with Clark Beverage, helped launch the event seven years ago.” Miss-i-sippin’ provides students in the program with the experience of working with a client—the Arts Council—to create an event from planning the menu to presenting the event. Proceeds from the fundraiser support both the Hospitality Management Program and the Arts Council.
The new partnership is also creating some changes for the event. Traditionally held on a Thursday night, this year’s event is moving to a Saturday afternoon. “Miss-i-sippin’ has outgrown the indoor capacity of the Powerhouse,” added Andrews. “We hope by encompassing our sculpture garden and the building that we can increase attendance as the event has sold out the last three years.”
Miss-i-sippin’ features a menu created by the chef and students that complement the beers with a range of products to be sampled. Through the support of the donors the students have created a tasting menu that captures the spirit of the event with catfish tacos, Caribbean sausage sandwiches, and bbq chicken sliders as just a few of the items on the menu this year.
The popularity of the event, which organizers attribute to using Mississippi products, has
also drawn support from local businesses. Bliss Handcrafted Ice Cream is sponsoring the beer float. Terri Massey, the owner, has been meeting and tasting the beer brewed by Yalobusha Brewery in Water Valley and is making an ice cream using fresh local ingredients that will be paired with one of their beers. LB’s, Firehouse Subs, and Taco Bell are donating to support the culinary creations of students.
Students receive hands-on experience in developing, marketing, and executing a culinary event putting their class work into action. The event has grown since its launch drawing over 500 attendees this year, and the organizers plan to expand to a two-day event in 2016. “We are looking at how to offer an experience that brings people back each year and provides a fresh experience,” shared Andrews.
Miss-i-sippin’ will be hosted by the Powerhouse Community Arts Center which will transform the sculpture garden in front of the building into “beer garden” featuring live music and culinary creations. Tickets are available online at www.oxfordarts.com or by calling 662.236.6429. 
