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The Tupelo Film Commission is getting ready to host its first Independent Film Series event for 2010.  Full Moon Lightnin’ will be shown Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. at the Link Centre Black Box Theater. For only $5, you can see the film, directed and produced by John Gardiner, while enjoying popcorn and a drink. John Gardiner will introduce the film and hang out afterwards for a question and answer.  Films in the Indie Film Series are shown monthly and normally fall on the 4^th Thursday of each month. 

Full Moon Lightnin’ is the story of a spiritual four-year journey through heartache, abandonment and racial divide told through the parallel stories of two blues artists. The film takes you along as New York City bluesman, Floyd Lee and his band embark on a deeply personal journey back home to Mississippi to reconnect with the family he left behind and search for the family he never knew.  It also follows the story of guitarist Joel Poluck, who steers Floyd's career towards musical success while his personal life spins out of control.  It’s a touching film and we hope you’ll be able to join us!

Tupelo’s spring event season is fast approaching and with 8 events scattered from March to June, it is sure to be a busy time.  Two new events will be making their festival debut this year – both in Ballard Park.  The Minerva Music Festival will be held on March 13 and will feature alternative music including such well-known acts as Saving Abel.  More information can be found at www.minervamusicfest.com.  On April 9 and 10, the Up, Up & Away Balloon Festival will feature tethered balloon rides, races and family activities.  A website is under construction and you can find a link, when available, through the Tupelo Calendar of Events at www.tupelo.net.

Other events this spring and summer include – Azalea Festival (April 10), Tupelo Blue Suede Cruise (April 29-May 2), Dudies Burger Festival (May 1), GumTree Arts Festival (May 7-9), Tupelo Film Festival (May 13-15), Tupelo Elvis Festival (June 3-6) and Living History at Brice’s Crossroads (June 12-13).  Again, for all events in Tupelo, please see the Calendar of Events at www.tupelo.net.

Just a reminder for the community, the tourism industry from Mississippi will gather in Tupelo February 28 – March 2 for their annual Governor’s Conference.  People from across the state in every segment of tourism will be here to network, participate in industry workshops and, in general, have a lot of fun.  It’s important that the conference is here in Tupelo because the industry works together to attract tourists to Mississippi.  Tourists come to Mississippi and make stops in multiple cities.  This event helps to showcase our city to those people helping consumers decide where to spend their limited time and dollars.

If you have any questions about Tupelo’s attractions or events, feel free to call us at 800-533-0611.  Stop by the CVB when you're in Downtown Tupelo and see our special exhibit through June 30.  Elvis' "chain jumpsuit" as featured in the movie "That's the Way It is" and Marty Stuart's "pilgrim" costume are displayed in the CVB lobby.