Hundreds of native Mississippians join at the nation’s capital every summer to bring a little remembrance, and taste, of the Hospitality State to Washington D.C.
And although it is a gathering of Mississippians living in the Washinton D.C. area, many may not be aware that Yazoo County is also put on proud display during the popular event.
Simmons Farm Raised Catfish has donated fish to Mississippi on the Mall in Washington D.C. for the past 25 years. Presented by the Mississippi Society of DC, the event has grown to attract around 700 attendees each year. And each of those attendees are treated to a plate of delicious catfish thanks to the Yazoo business.
The Simmons Catfish donation allows visitors to have a taste of their home for Mississippians far from their roots.
“My sister served on the board of the Mississippi Society while working in Washington, D.C., and it was during that time that we began donating the catfish for Mississippi on the Mall,” said Katy Simmons Prosser, marketing and brand development with Simmons. “It’s become a tradition we’re proud to continue each year.”
From natives living in Washington D.C. to Mississippi colleges and universities to an assortment of politicians, Mississippi on the Mall takes attendees back to their hometowns with familiar faces and familiar tastes hundreds of miles away from home.
“It’s a great way to support a celebration of Mississippi culture and connect with Mississippian leaders living and working in our nation’s capital,” Prosser said. “We feel like it shows Simmons Catfish’s commitment to quality, heritage, and community, even far from home.”
And with every bite of hot, fresh catfish, Prosser hopes attendees experience something special with a taste of Simmons Farm Raised Catfish. It is more than just a taste, it’s a relationship.
“For Mississippians who are far from the south, few things evoke the feeling of home like farm raised catfish,” she said. “Serving it in D.C. is a powerful way to reconnect people with their southern roots. Over the years, many lasting friendships have been formed over plates of fried catfish at this event.”
And what would be the perfect catfish for Mississippi on the Mall? Prosser said the options are endless, but why venture too far away from a classic.
“There are endless options for catfish recipes, but it’s hard to beat a classic fried catfish plate with hushpuppies, coleslaw, and sweet tea,” Prosser said. “For most people, a plate of catfish brings back a happy Mississippi memory from a family fish fry, church picnic, or just gathering around the table with loved ones.”
