On Saturday following a Yogamosa class at The Rose of Clay Street, Jackson-based Yoga instructor Maya Morris announced she would be holding her Protect Your Peace Festival in Vicksburg next year.

Morris, who is a Lululemon ambassador, owner of Split Rebel Yoga in Jackson, and  founder of the non-profit organization Protect Your Peace Foundation, said the festival is an event that incorporates a holistic approach to health — mind, body and spirit — in a community atmosphere.

“We focus on mental health and wellness,” she said.

The first two Protect Your Peace Festivals were held in Jackson and a third is also scheduled there from 3 to 8 p.m. Oct. 20 at The Plant Venue.

But in 2025, it will move to Vicksburg.

Morris said a friend encouraged her to move the 2025 festival to Vicksburg.

“So, I thought, ‘Well I have a Vicksburg family there that supports me,’ so I reached out to Lori (Fagan, owner of the Rose of Clay Street), and she was so happy, and we are putting everything together now,” Morris said.

Fagan met Morris in 2023 during the Vicksburg National Military Park’s summer “Yoga in the Park” program and eventually recruited her to teach classes in Vicksburg as part of the Rose of Clay Street’s Yogamosa and Wine-down Wednesday series.

“Maya has definitely been vital to Yogamosa and Wine-down Wednesdays,” Fagan said. “She is part of the team.”

Fagan said Morris has become a connection outside of Vicksburg as well by bringing in opportunities for the city like the Protect Your Peace Festival.

This year’s Protect Your Peace Festival in Jackson will include yoga sessions, a run/walk event, Pilates and hip hop aerobics, as well as vendors and food trucks.

Morris said she plans to create the same type of atmosphere for Vicksburg, while also bringing in what she called a “Zen Den.”

“This is an area where you go that is all things Zen, so you can relax. You can get massages and pedicures, and you could have someone that will do foot massages,” she said.

Morris said she hopes to incorporate gyms that are in Vicksburg to be part of the festival as well as cryotherapy.

“And maybe have one of the recovery lounges like IV therapy and I would love to incorporate cold plunges,” she said

Morris said she also plans to have journaling workshops available for participants.

A specific date for the Vicksburg Protect Your Peace Festival has not been determined, but Morris said historically they have been held the third Sunday in October. For more information on this year’s festival, visit pypfest.com.