Blueberries, music and sunshine – throw them together and you have the Pearl River Blues Farm Jam.
Each year, the Pearl River Blues Berry Farm, nestled in Lumberton, Mississippi, opens its fields for people to pick blueberries.
Painted on a sign, at the entrance of the blueberry rows, is the quote:
“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” – William James
These words perfectly capture the persona of the farm and its annual Farm Jam.
As you walk across the grassy parking area to the farm owner’s backyard, it is quickly apparent that you’re entering something special. The Farm Jam reaches out its arms and pulls you in close. It feels like you have arrived at a big party full of family and friends.
Sitting in their backyard, listening to bands and feeling the sun, brought pure happiness. The farm is an oasis. Minutes slowly drifted by with the wind. One song blended into the next. My responsibilities seemed to disappear.
While Tuba Skinny continued to play, I started intently people watching. I watched braless hippies sway to the music and mothers slather their children with sunscreen. One group enjoyed a snack of cottage cheese while the other enjoyed Cheetos. The diversity of the crowd was striking and made me fall in love with the event even more.
Where do all these people come from? How did they find out about the Farm Jam?
Despite where we came from, the Farm Jam was making all of our Saturdays special. I could have been taking care of seemingly important responsibilities or falling into routine relaxation. But that is exactly why events like this are essential to our local culture, and really, our being.
It’s easy to slip into the “essential” to-do lists and routines. I often do. But not many memories are made from the ordinary. By no means does every Saturday need to be an epic adventure. That is both unrealistic and exhausting. Seizing opportunities such as the Farm Jam reminds us to celebrate life and community. It reminds us there is more to life than to-do lists. It reminds us to appreciate people’s quirks.
Attending local events not only makes a difference to your mental well being, but also to your community. In the case of the Pearl River Blues Farm Jam, you are supporting local farmers, chefs, and artists. You are communicating your appreciation for their work and encouraging them to continue forward! Most importantly, you’re shaping the culture that makes each of our towns and communities a special place to live.
Four years ago, I was hesitant to leave family, friends, and my Washington roots for a move to Mississippi. Would I fit in? If I didn’t get involved with my new community, I would not. Overcoming hesitation and choosing to participate, you start to belong, and this grows into pride. Ultimately, it’s this pride that provides the fuel to advocate for and make an impact in our community. As the wooden sign said, you make a difference.
The PRB Farm Jam is held every June and is free to attend. It is just one of many great events our Pine Belt offers. Seize the opportunities!
Until then, what does next weekend have in store?
