Some people become part of an event because their name is on the program.

Others become part of it simply because they keep showing up.
For the Delta Hot Tamale Festival, Mark and Rhonda DiBiase have been showing up since Day One.

Main Street Greenville and the Greater Greenville Development Foundation are proud to announce Mark and Rhonda DiBiase as the 2026 Delta Hot Tamale Festival King and Queen.
Since the inaugural festival in 2012, Mark has been a fixture behind the Main Stage microphone. Over the years, he has introduced countless musicians, welcomed guests, emceed contests, filled gaps, kept things moving and become known simply as “The Voice of the Festival.”
And just offstage, Rhonda has been every bit as important.
Year after year, she has managed contest registrations, coordinated participants, handled the details that most festivalgoers never see and served as the steady hand behind Mark’s Main Stage duties.
Together, they have volunteered at every Delta Hot Tamale Festival since the beginning. They have also supported the festival as sponsors over the years. 
But the reason this year’s honor feels so fitting goes well beyond one weekend in October.
A Legacy of Service to GreenvilleMark moved to Greenville in 2000, and it did not take long for him to become deeply invested in the community.
In 2002, he founded Infinite Concepts, Inc., a Greenville-based information technology support and consulting company serving businesses, healthcare facilities and government clients. He operated and grew the company for 20 years before selling it in 2021. In 2019, the Mississippi Business Journal recognized Mark as a “Top in Tech” honoree. Mark DiBiase Hot Tamale King 20…
His involvement in Greenville extended far beyond his business.
Mark has served on or led boards including the Greenville Arts Council, Delta Center Stage, Washington County Economic Alliance and United Way of Washington County. In 2020, the Washington County Economic Alliance presented him with the Chuck Jordan Leadership Award for his work in local business development. 
His years with the Rotary Club of Greenville eventually led to regional leadership as District Governor for Rotary District 6820. When his successor was unable to assume the role, Mark was elected to a rare second consecutive term.
Following the devastating March 2023 tornado in Rolling Fork, he helped coordinate Rotary’s disaster response, including a $275,000 fundraising effort, supply delivery, cleanup resources and cross-agency relief efforts. 
Rhonda’s connection to the Delta goes back even further.
A native of Hollandale, Mississippi, Rhonda graduated from Simmons High School before earning a Bachelor of Business Administration from Delta State University. 
She built a career in office administration and later served as vice president of Infinite Concepts, overseeing technician dispatch, marketing, accounting and human resources until she and Mark sold the company in 2021. 
Retirement opened another chapter.
Drawing from her experience caring for her mother through a lengthy illness, Rhonda wrote her memoir, Fear Finds Faith, a deeply personal story about caregiving, grief, family, humor, faith and healing. The book took her across Mississippi for signings and media appearances, including WABG, WJTV, Lemuria Books in Jackson and The Next Chapter in Leland. 
Rhonda is also a member of the Rotary Club of Greenville and has spent years serving through her church, civic organizations and community efforts.
Together, Mark and Rhonda have taken that commitment to service well beyond the Delta. They have participated in four weeklong Rotary humanitarian trips to Guadalajara, Mexico, and in 2025 established the Mark & Rhonda DiBiase Good Samaritan Fund with The Rotary Foundation. 
The Kind of People Who Keep Showing UpThe Delta Hot Tamale Festival King and Queen are selected by the Greater Greenville Board of Directors. Nominees are considered for their contributions to the Delta tamale tradition and for their service, leadership and work to strengthen Greenville and the surrounding community.
For Mark and Rhonda, that record speaks for itself.
“Mark and Rhonda are the kind of people every community hopes will show up, and then keep showing up,” said Daniel Boggs, CEO of Main Street Greenville. “For 15 years, they have given this festival their time, energy, humor, and heart, but their service to Greenville goes so much further than festival weekend. They have invested in this community in nearly every way a person can, through their business, civic leadership, Rotary, the arts, their churches and simply by being the people who are willing to step in when something needs to be done. We are incredibly grateful for what they have meant to Greenville and proud to honor them as this year’s King and Queen.”
During the 15 years Mark and Rhonda have worked beside the Main Stage, the Delta Hot Tamale Festival has changed tremendously.
Crowds have grown into the tens of thousands. Visitors now travel to Greenville from across the United States and around the world. Nationally known musicians, chefs, writers, actors and artists have been welcomed to the Delta, and the festival itself has earned national recognition.
But through all of that growth, there have been a few constants.
Mark behind the microphone. Rhonda beside the stage. Both of them showing up.
One More Festival HoorahThis year’s announcement comes with a little more emotion than usual.
Mark and Rhonda recently moved from the Mississippi Delta to Canton, Ohio. Because of the move, Main Street Greenville was unable to hold its traditional King and Queen announcement reception this year.
Fortunately, Greenville has not seen the last of them quite yet.
They will return for the 2026 Delta Hot Tamale Festival on Saturday, October 17, and despite their new royal titles, they plan to go right back to work.
Mark will once again be behind the Main Stage microphone.
Rhonda will once again be beside the stage.
Just like always.
It will be one final festival hoorah in the roles they have filled since 2012 — and an opportunity for the community they have served for so many years to say thank you.
So when you make your way to downtown Greenville on October 17, stop by the Main Stage.
Congratulate 2026 Delta Hot Tamale Festival King and Queen Mark and Rhonda DiBiase.
And, more importantly, thank them for 15 years of showing up.
Because long before there were crowns, there was service.

JACKSON, Miss. (June 16, 2026) – The Mississippi Main Street Association (MMSA)
celebrated downtown revitalization success and announced statewide award winners at its 2026 Annual Awards Luncheon at The South in downtown Jackson.

The Annual Awards Luncheon honors Main Street directors, board members, and volunteers and recognizes the most outstanding downtown revitalization projects and events from designated Main Street communities throughout Mississippi.

"A thriving downtown provides increased tax revenue and economic growth while promoting a community's unique sense of place. We celebrate all of the Main Street award winners and their relentless efforts to build stronger, more resilient towns and cities in Mississippi," said Chance McDavid, MMSA's 2026-2027 Board President.

MMSA staff and award sponsors presented the 2026 awards to recipients from designated Main Street communities throughout the state.
This year's award recipients are:
Aberdeen Main Street Association
Amory Main Street
Brandon Main Street Association
Cleveland Main Street
Downtown Hattiesburg Association
Downtown Natchez Alliance
Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association
Laurel Main Street
Main Street Clinton
Main Street Columbia, Inc.
Main Street Greenville
Main Street Greenwood
Meridian Main Street
Moss Point Main Street Association
Nettleton Main Street
New Albany Main Street Association
Ocean Springs Main Street
Okolona Area Chamber/Main Street
Philadelphia Main Street Organization
Ripley Main Street Association
Saltillo Main Street Association
Senatobia Main Street Chamber
Starkville Main Street Association
Tunica Main Street
Vicksburg Main Street Program

In addition, the 2026 Nationally Accredited and Affiliate Main Street programs were recognized.

The 2026 Accredited Main Street Communities in Mississippi include:
Aberdeen, Amory, Baldwyn, Batesville, Biloxi, Booneville, Cleveland, Clinton, Columbia,
Columbus, Corinth, Crystal Springs, Itawamba County, Greenville, Greenwood, Gulfport,
Hattiesburg, Hernando, Laurel, Leake County, Louisville, Meridian, Moss Point, Natchez,
Nettleton, New Albany, Ocean Springs, Okolona, Pascagoula, Pass Christian, Pearl,
Philadelphia, Picayune, Pontotoc, Ripley, Saltillo, Senatobia, Starkville, Tunica, Tupelo,
Vicksburg, Water Valley, and West Point.

2026 Affiliate communities include: Byhalia, Indianola, Sumrall and Woodville.
Brandon and Magee were recognized as new designated Main Street communities this year.

New Network programs for 2026 include Long Beach and Farish Street Historic District.

Main Street directors who have served for 10 years or longer in their communities include: Kay Miller of Biloxi (23 years), Cynthia Sutton of Ocean Springs (19 years), Tara Lytal of Clinton (19 years), Reba Beebe of Picayune (18 years), Kim Hopkins of Vicksburg (18 years), Ann Tackett of Aberdeen (14 years), Barbara Bigelow of Columbus (13 years), Lisa Klutts of West Point (13 years), Tim Moore of Philadelphia (13 years), and Jamie Sowell of Senatobia (10 years).

This year’s Annual Awards Presenting Sponsors were CREATE Foundation, Hancock Whitney, Mississippi Power, Neel-Schaffer, and Ten One Strategies.

Individual Award Sponsors included: Entergy Mississippi, Castle Properties, Community Bank, Community Foundation for Mississippi, Fred Carl Jr. Small Town Center, Mississippi Magazine, Mississippi Heritage Trust, Mississippi Tourism Association, New Albany Main Street, Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce - Main Street - Tourism Bureau, Reed’s, and SuperTalk Mississippi Media.
​
General Sponsors included: AIA Mississippi, Mississippi Department of Archives and History, and Visit Meridian Tourism.

In 2025, Mississippi Main Street's Designated Communities generated 361 new businesses, 73 business expansions, 834 new jobs, and 1,526 downtown residential units.

In addition, 370 downtown projects were completed, and 1,526 downtown residential units were added. More than $209 million was invested by the public/private sector in 2025, and more than 87,023 volunteer hours were recorded.

Since 1993, MMSA has catalyzed more than $7 billion in public and private re-investment in Main Street communities.

MMSA currently has 49 Designated Main Street communities, three Network communities, and
31 Associate members.

Greenville, Mississippi, March 12, 2026 — The Delta Hot Tamale Festival has once again earned national
recognition, being voted the #1 Specialty Food Festival in the United States in the 2026 USA Today 10Best
Readers’ Choice Awards.

The honor comes after a remarkable three-year run in the national poll. The festival claimed first place in 2024, finished second in 2025, and has now returned to the top spot as the 2026 winner, reaffirming its
reputation as one of the country’s most unique culinary celebrations.

Held annually in downtown Greenville, Mississippi, and organized by Main Street Greenville, the Delta Hot Tamale Festival celebrates the rich culinary tradition of Delta-style hot tamales, a food deeply rooted in
the culture and history of the Mississippi Delta.

“This recognition reflects the spirit of Greenville and the Mississippi Delta,” said Daniel Boggs with Main Street Greenville. “The Delta hot tamale is a beloved regional tradition, and this festival has become a way
for our community to share that story with visitors from across the country and around the world.”

“Being recognized by readers across the country is incredibly meaningful,” added Deanne New, also of Main Street Greenville. “The Delta Hot Tamale Festival is built by an entire community of volunteers,
vendors, musicians, and small businesses who work together to showcase the culture and hospitality of the Mississippi Delta. To see Greenville represented at the top of a national list like this is something the whole community can celebrate.”

The USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards also recognized several other standout festivals across the country. Joining the Delta Hot Tamale Festival in the Top 5 Specialty Food Festivals are (2ND place) Maine Whoopie Pie Festival in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine; (3rd place) Picklesburgh in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; (4th place) the Cheese Curd Festival in Ellsworth, Wisconsin; (5th place) the National Buffalo Wing Festival in Buffalo, New York; highlighting a diverse group of beloved regional food celebrations. 

Each year, the Delta Hot Tamale Festival draws more than 25,000 visitors, generating the largest single event economic impact in the Greenville area. Guests travel from across the United States and internationally to experience the authentic flavors, music, and culture that define the Mississippi Delta.

The three-day event kicks off Thursday evening with a Welcome Dinner, followed by Food Truck Friday, featuring live music and a variety of regional food trucks. Saturday serves as the main festival day, filling
downtown Greenville with activity, including a parade, eating contest, cooking contest, a ticketed tamale tasting event, arts and crafts vendors, multiple stages of live music, and, of course, authentic Delta-style hot tamales.

Over the years, the festival has grown into one of the most anticipated annual events in the Mississippi
Delta, celebrating both culinary heritage and the vibrant culture of the region.

Vendor information and the full 2026 music lineup will be announced later this spring.

More information about the festival can be found at www.MainStreetGreenville.com.

Media Contact: Deanne New, [email protected].

New Dessert Destination Opens in Downtown Greenville
​Greenville, MS – October 23, 2025 – The downtown Greenville business community celebrated the grand opening and ribbon-cutting of Sinclair’s Sweets Bakery & Café, a new bakery and café owned by Madison Newson, located at 330 Main Street, Downtown Greenville. The ceremony took place Thursday morning and was attended by city council members, friends and family, and local business leaders.

Madison Newson commented, “I’m so excited to open Sinclair’s Sweets in downtown Greenville. This has been a dream of mine, and I’m deeply grateful to everyone who helped me reach this point. I look forward to serving our neighbors and becoming a sweet gathering place in this downtown.”

The bakery and café will be open Tuesday through Saturday, 7 AM to 5 PM, offering a full menu from custom cakes and cupcakes to breakfast and brunch favorites, making it the latest destination for both special-occasion treats and everyday indulgences.

Main Street Greenville CEO Daniel Boggs stated, “We’re proud to have played a part in helping another new small business get open in downtown Greenville. Sinclair’s Sweets brings an inviting new energy to our Main Street corridor, and we believe Madison will thrive here.”

The event highlighted the collaborative spirit of the downtown Greenville business district, and Sinclair’s Sweets is poised to become a valued anchor for local commerce and community gathering.

For more information about Sinclair’s Sweets Bakery & Café, please visit their Facebook page or drop by the shop at 330 Main Street.
Contact:
Madison Newson
Owner, Sinclair’s Sweets Bakery & Café
330 Main Street | Downtown Greenville, MS
Facebook: @SinclairSweetsMS

Greenville, MS – The 14th Annual Delta Hot Tamale Festival, presented by Regions, is thrilled to announce that the Sam Joyner Band will bring their award-winning blend of urban Chicago blues and Louisiana-styled R&B to the Main Stage on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 1:15 PM. raised in Southeast Chicago, Joyner’s music is deeply rooted in the Mississippi Delta. Every summer, he traveled to his father’s hometown of Tunica, Mississippi, where the sounds and soul of the South became an essential part of his musical foundation.
In 2016, Joyner won the Vicksburg Blues Challenge (solo/duo division) and went on to be a finalist at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis the following year. Over his career, he has shared the stage with blues greats including Larry Garner, The Neal Family, and Benny Turner. His 2019 album, When u Need a Friend, further established him as a respected songwriter and performer, and his most recent release, Come What May (I’ll Always Love You), continues to showcase his soulful storytelling and heartfelt style.
Known for his humor, authenticity, and magnetic stage presence, Sam Joyner has captivated audiences across the U.S. and internationally, from Asia to the Pacific Islands. His performance at the Delta Hot Tamale Festival promises to be a highlight of the weekend, bringing blues back home to the Delta where much of his inspiration began.
Catch Sam Joyner live at 1:15 PM on the Main Stage presented by Regions.

​Greenville, MS – GRAMMY-nominated and Louisiana Hall of Fame Inductee Julian Primeaux will bring his swamp-soaked blend of blues, rock, and soul to the Main Stage presented by Regions Bank at the 14th Annual Delta Hot Tamale Festival on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 3:15 p.m.
Hailing from southern Louisiana, Primeaux has built a career defined by raw energy and heartfelt storytelling. He picked up the guitar at just eight years old and by his early teens was already performing regularly, from Louisiana juke joints to Times Square and European stages. His recorded catalog includes Flowers From My Bones (2009), Rock ’n’ Roll Boy (2011), This Guilded, Swaying Heart (2016), and his 2023 release Songs for the Heart of Sister Flute, which earned him a nomination for Singer/Songwriter Album of the Year at the Offbeat Magazine Best of the Beat Awards. In 2025, he released Spinning Heartache Into Gold, the final installment in his emotional trilogy.
Primeaux’s artistry has earned recognition on some of the world’s most respected stages. In 2022, he received a Grammy nomination for his performance on Corey Ledet’s album, and in 2024 he was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. He has also been featured as a spotlight artist on NPR’s World Cafe.
The Delta Hot Tamale Festival, held each year in downtown Greenville, Mississippi, is recognized by USA Today as one of the nation’s top Specialty Food Festivals and has repeatedly been named Best Fall Festival in Mississippi by Mississippi Magazine. With more than 30,000 visitors each year, the festival blends rich Delta culture with a packed schedule of events, including a Thursday evening Welcome Dinner, Friday’s Food Truck Friday lunch and evening concert, and Saturday’s full-day celebration with a parade, tamale and food vendors, arts and crafts booths, live music on two stages, a cooking contest, and an eating contest.

The festival’s 2025 music lineup features GRAMMY-winning band Blues Traveler headlining Saturday night, Mississippi’s own Ryan Cooper headlining Friday night, and The Jarekus Singleton Band among the featured performers. Additional acts will be announced soon, rounding out a powerhouse weekend of live music in downtown Greenville.

Main Street Greenville, a program of the Greater Greenville Development Foundation, proudly produces the Delta Hot Tamale Festival. Festival armbands are required for entry and are $5 for anyone 13 and over. They will be available for purchase at the festival gates. Follow Delta Hot Tamale Festival on social media for updates.

Greenville, MS – The Delta Hot Tamale Festival is excited to announce that The Jarekus Singleton Band will open for Blues Traveler on Saturday, October 18, 2025, in downtown Greenville.
The Jarekus Singleton Band, rooted in Mississippi blues and acclaimed for blending modern rock, soul, and gospel influences, has become one of the most exciting young acts in American blues. Their high-energy performances and powerful storytelling make them a perfect complement to Blues Traveler’s iconic sound.
The Delta Hot Tamale Festival has been recognized as one of the top Specialty Food Festivals in the U.S. by USA Today and is repeatedly awarded Best Fall Festival in Mississippi by Mississippi Magazine. Each year, more than 30,000 visitors gather to enjoy food, music, and Delta culture.
The festival kicks off Thursday with a ticketed Welcome Dinner, followed by Food Truck Friday featuring live music and a Friday evening concert headlined by Mississippi native Ryan Cooper. Saturday’s main festival day begins at 9 a.m. with a parade and continues with arts and crafts vendors, tamale and food vendors, two stages of live music, a cooking contest, and an eating contest.
The Delta Hot Tamale Festival is a Main Street Greenville event, part of the Greater Greenville Development Foundation.

Job Description: Residential & Commercial Property Manager
Position Title: Residential & Commercial Property Manager
Reports To: Executive Director
Employment Type: Full-Time
Compensation: $15 – $21 per hour, commensurate with experience

Position Summary
The Property Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management and oversight of rental housing units and a small number of commercial spaces. This position ensures that all properties are well-maintained, fully compliant with applicable regulations, and that residents and commercial tenants receive excellent service and support. The role requires a balance of administrative, compliance, and property management skills, with a strong emphasis on accuracy in recordkeeping and clear communication with tenants.

Key Responsibilities
Property Management & Tenant Relations

• Serve as the primary point of contact for residential and commercial tenants, handling questions, concerns, and maintenance requests in a timely and professional manner.
• Market available rental units and commercial spaces, manage inquiries, and coordinate property showings.
• Oversee the lease application process, including background and income verification, reference checks, and approval procedures.
• Administer lease agreements, renewals, and terminations in accordance with organizational policies.
• Conduct regular inspections of residential and commercial properties to ensure safety, cleanliness, and upkeep.

Compliance & Recordkeeping

• Maintain accurate tenant files and records, including applications, leases, income documentation, and eligibility certifications.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and reporting requirements.
• Accurately complete required forms and documentation to support program compliance.
• Prepare and submit periodic reports as required by funding and oversight agencies.

Financial Management

• Collect rent payments from both residential and commercial tenants and issue receipts.
• Monitor delinquent accounts, follow up with tenants, and initiate collection procedures as needed.
• Track operating expenses and assist with budgeting as directed.

Facilities & Maintenance Oversight

• Coordinate with maintenance staff and contractors to ensure timely completion of repairs and preventative maintenance.
• Monitor vendor performance and maintain service records.
• Ensure common areas, building systems, and property grounds remain clean, safe, and presentable.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate’s or bachelor’s degree in business, real estate, or related field preferred.
• Previous property management or housing program experience strongly preferred.
• Strong organizational and recordkeeping skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and property management software (preferred, but training can be provided).
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and maintain confidentiality.

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly Pay Range: $15 – $21, depending on experience.
• Benefits: After the applicable introductory periods are met, employees are eligible for:
  • Health, vision, dental, and life insurance
  • Paid vacation, sick leave, and holiday time off
  • Retirement benefits

Apply Now

​Main Street Greenville is now accepting bids for screen printing services only for the 2025 Delta Hot Tamale Festival. Please note: we are not seeking design services. All artwork will be provided. 
Project details and specifications are included in the attached bid sheet.
We are specifically looking for screen printers with the capacity to handle custom orders using Comfort Colors and Bella Canvas brand shirts.
Key Information:

• Bid deadline: Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at 12:00 PM (CDT)
• Submission: Fully completed bid forms must be emailed to [email protected]
• Note: Only emailed bids using the provided and attached form will be accepted for review.
• We are interested to know if you are a Main Street supporter in your town, but it is not required. 

We appreciate your interest and look forward to receiving your proposal.

We are thrilled to announce that Blues Traveler will headline the Delta Hot Tamale Festival on October 18, 2025, in downtown Greenville, Mississippi. 🎶🌮
This internationally acclaimed band, known for their chart-topping hits and electrifying live shows, will take the Main Stage presented by Regions Bank. Festivalgoers can expect an unforgettable performance as Blues Traveler brings their signature sound to one of Mississippi’s most beloved festivals.
The Delta Hot Tamale Festival has been recognized as one of the top Specialty Food Festivals in the U.S. by USA Today and is repeatedly awarded Best Fall Festival in Mississippi by Mississippi Magazine. With over 30,000 visitors annually, the festival is a true celebration of music, food, and Delta culture.
Festivities begin with a ticketed Welcome Dinner on Thursday night, continue Friday with Food Truck Friday featuring live music during lunch and a concert headlined by Mississippi native Ryan Cooper, and culminate on Saturday with the main festival day. Events include a parade, arts and crafts vendors, tamale and food vendors from across the region, live music on two stages, a cooking contest, and an eating contest.
The Delta Hot Tamale Festival is proudly produced by Main Street Greenville, a program of the Greater Greenville Development Foundation.