News Release
May 6, 2014
Margaret McPhillips
601-432-6298 | margaret.mcphillips@mpbonline.org
NEW EPISODE OF MISSISSIPPI ROADS TO AIR THURSDAY
Enterprise, Louisville and Pontotoc Highlighted; Musician Eddie “Chank” Willis Featured
Jackson, Miss. – Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB) is set to air a new episode of Mississippi Roads Thursday, May 8 at 7 p.m. on MPB TV. The program features Dunn Falls in East Mississippi, musician Eddie “Chank” Willis, the Backwoods Comic Fest in Louisville and Cherry Creek Orchards in Pontotoc.
“This week’s episode offers a wonderful snapshot of some of the people and places that make Mississippi so unique,” said “Mississippi Roads” Series Producer John Allen. “We visit one of our state’s beautiful waterfalls, hear from a musician whose music helped define the Motown sound, travel to a comic book convention and visit a farm that encourages visitors to hand pick their produce.”
Dunn’s Falls, near Enterprise, consists of more than 30 acres of park land nestled along the Chunky River in Lauderdale County. In Thursday’s episode, host Walt Grayson uncovers the history of the falls and highlights the park’s natural beauty.
“One of the many benefits of living in Mississippi is that there’s plenty of nature to take in and enjoy,” said Grayson. “There’s always a quiet, peaceful place right around the corner – somewhere where you can get away and clear your head. That’s exactly what we find at Dunn’s Falls.”
Walt and the “Roads” crew also travel to Louisville for the Backwoods Comic Fest for a unique gathering of comic book enthusiasts.
They then move up to Pontotoc to visit locally owned and operated Cherry Creek Orchards, where visitors are encouraged to pick their own fruit. Owners Wylie and Amanda Stark are passionate about getting kids involved in picking to educate them on where and how food is grown.
Mississippi musician Eddie “Chank” Willis is featured in the arts segment of the episode. Willis is known for his skill as a guitarist and played for Motown legends such as The Temptations, Diana Ross and Stevie Wonder.
“Mississippi Roads” is an original production of MPB and is in its 23rd season.
Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB) provides instructional and public affairs programming to Mississippians through its statewide television and radio network. MPB enhances the work of educators, students, parents and learners of all ages by providing informative programming and educational resources. MPB’s locally-produced programming focuses on the people, resources and attractions that reflect Mississippi’s unique culture and diverse heritage. Children’s television programs constitute a major portion of the daytime and weekend morning schedules. MPB provides a valuable resource to Mississippians in disseminating information as part of the state’s emergency preparedness and response system. Since 1970, MPB has won over 400 national, regional and statewide awards, including Emmy®, Edward R. Murrow and Parents’ Choice® Awards. For more information on MPB, its programs, mission or educational resources, please visit www.mpbonline.org.
###
