When Visit Vicksburg joined the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum, Vicksburg Main Street, Vicksburg Cruisers, and the Mighty ‘Sip Fest Committee to plan the Classic ‘Sip Fest, which this year highlighted the 130^th anniversary of the bottling of Coca-Cola in the River City, the group did not know they would be recognized for their efforts.

But during the Mississippi Tourism Association’s annual awards program, which was held during the Governor’s Conference on Tourism on Oct. 4 at the Lake Terrace Convention Center in Hattiesburg, Classic ‘Sip Fest was awarded the Best Overall Traditional Media award.

Visit Vicksburg Executive Director Laura Beth Strickland accepted the award on behalf of Visit Vicksburg.

“We were so excited for Visit Vicksburg to receive the Best Overall Traditional Media Award for our Classic ‘Sip Campaign,” Strickland said. “We enjoyed creating a campaign to tell the story and promote special events surrounding the 130th Anniversary of the bottling of Coca-Cola. We are so grateful for all the community partners, organizations, and volunteers that came together to put on the fantastic event and couldn’t have been more pleased to elevate the exposure of one of our key attractions, the Biedenharn Museum of Coca-Cola Memorabilia.”

The Best Overall Traditional Media award is given to any MTA member using traditional media — broadcast, radio, newspaper, magazine or print advertising campaign — to promote a destination, attraction, property, event or campaign.

A press release from MTA stated that in anticipation of the event, which kicked off March 11, Classic ‘Sip Fest was featured in several local, statewide, regional and national publications including Garden & Gun and Travel Pulse.

The press release also noted that week-long events that were held during the Classic ‘Sip Fest began with a Historic Marker Proclamation and Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours at the Coca-Cola Museum.

Additional events included Classic Shops & Soda Shops, which was a special night of shopping sponsored by the Vicksburg Main Street program and a rum and Coke tasting event was held at The Inn at Cedar Grove.

Visitors also had the opportunity to stroll over the Old Mississippi River Bridge; a sock hop was held at the Southern Cultural Heritage Center’s auditorium; Vicksburg Cruisers held a Classic ‘Sip Fest Wheels Show; Levee Street Warehouse offered an outdoor movie showing of “The Love Bug”; performances of “Gold in the Hills” were held at the Parkside Playhouse Theatre;  a Sunday brunch was offered at The Watermark and several downtown eateries created a special Coca-Cola menu item throughout the week in honor of the celebration.

The Mississippi Tourism Association is a membership organization whose mission is to unite all sectors of the tourism industry through advocacy, promotion and education. MTA’s vision is to transform Mississippi’s economy through increased visitor spending and overall travel industry growth. For more than 30 years, MTA has led the Mississippi’s tourism education and advocacy efforts.