About The Event
Behind the scenes of the Clay In May International Festival is a dedicated, creative and event-experienced staff, ready to help provide the answers, guidance, information, resources, contacts, programming, benefits, and support that you need to be part of a successful experience in festival culture, art, music, food and fun.
The Clay in May International Festival is overseen by an independent, international Board of Directors. We are represented by affiliate regional organizations, which are often further broken down by affiliated partners and/or ambassadors in individual regions, countries, states, provinces and territories.
If you are interested in getting more actively involved with the Clay in May International Festival in your area, please contact any member of our staff or affiliates and they will be pleased to answer your questions.
History -
In the early 1970s, Clay County, Mississippi held an annual Clay County fair full of activities for the entire family. Cultural activities included arts and crafts, livestock competitions, the 4H Club, amusement rides, and a week-long schedule of various wholesome events. Economic challenges and changing community dynamics now have spawned Community leaders interested in helping to make a better Clay County and want the world to have the opportunity to experience its rich history and culture. With support from the Clay County Board of Supervisors and regional partners such as the OCEDA, we have developed plans for a festival, which will serve as a promotional umbrella for the numerous events to be hosted each May, including a never before nationwide Retail Scavenger Hunt the Prairie Parade Carnival, the Waverly Invitational Golf Classic, the annual visit by a renowned orchestra and others.
With true Southern Hospitality, we welcome you and stand ready to help you enjoy life in our community and grow your business here. Clay County was created April 4, 1872. Named in honor of American statesman, Henry Clay. Clay County was originally organized from parts of Chickasaw, Lowndes, Monroe and Oktibbeha Counties, and named Colfax County after Schuyler Colfax, Vice-President in the Grant administration. In 1876, the Mississippi legislature changed the name to Clay County. Its county seat is West Point. With the Tombigbee River bordering the eastern side of the county, the Tibbee Creek and the Chuquactonchee as well as its railways and major highways, the county offers excellent transportation arteries to industry. With its centralized location being in the heart of Tupelo, Columbus, and Starkville area, the people of Clay County have easy access to numerous universities (Mississippi State University and Mississippi University for Women), airports, industries, and leisure activities. Clay County is bordered by the counties of Chickasaw, Monroe, Lowndes, Oktibbeha, and Webster.