Historical Reenactors
Living historian Case Hicks brings the 26th President of the United States, Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt, to life each year at the Great Delta Bear Affair as he emcees the day’s main stage entertainment line-up, mingles with the crowd and recounts stories of Roosevelt’s days as a president and a conservationist. He is accompanied each year by his wife, Susan, who portrays Mrs. Roosevelt. South Delta resident Ollie Morganfield also joins Hicks at the Bear Affair in character as famous hunting guide Holt Collier.
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Teddy Bear Costume Run
Start your festival experience off with our Teddy Bear Costume Run at 9 a.m. Deck out in your favorite costume and run or walk the 5K course. There may be monsters and ghouls along the route but it is almost Halloween! A festival t-shirt comes with your $30.00 entry fee.
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Children's Games
There are fun games to keep children busy. This year’s games include the space jump and obstacle course. The trackless train around the courthouse will return as well. Tickets must be purchased for the games.
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Chainsaw Woodcarver
Each year the city of Rolling Fork is left with a different 12 foot wooden bear carved by a chainsaw artist during the Great Delta Bear Affair. It’s great fun to watch a bear being formed from a cypress tree stump by renowned Mississippi chainsaw woodcarvers, Dayton and Kenny Scoggins of Artistry in Wood.
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Archaeological Tours
A guided driving tour of nearby pre-historic Indian Mounds is offered by Mr. Sam Brookes, retired archaeologist. Mr. Brookes will lead you to area mounds where you may then get out of your vehicle to hear what is known of their pre-historic inhabitants. This fascinating tour is offered in the morning and again in the afternoon during the festival. Make sure your car has plenty of gas, as you will be driving your own vehicle and will be away from gas stations for a little while. Tours leave from the Rolling Fork Visitor’s Center and Museum, 380 Walnut Street, at 10 am. and 2 pm.
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Seminars
The Great Delta Bear Affair offers free seminars for festival-goers. At 11, Sammie Sutton and the Shriners Clowns will entertain festival goers and at 1:30, Terry Vandeventer, better known to many around Mississippi as the “Snake Man,” brings his Living Reptile Museum for a fun and educational presentation.. Bring the kids to the Sharkey-Issaquena County Library to laugh with the clowns and to learn about snakes in Mississippi!
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Chuckburger Eating Contest
Named for the local diary bar, where these chili and slaw burgers became famous, the Chuckburger Eating Contest will be held at noon. The contest is limited to no more than 8 participants, and sign-up will be based on a first come, first served basis.
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Selfie Scavenger Hunt
Take part in our new Selfie Scavenger Hunt. Check out the hunt list and enjoy the festival as you take and post selfies of yourself and others to instagram.
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Fireworks
The festival always wraps up with a spectacular fireworks display while the classic rock band, The Grayhounds, play . You will want to stay until dark to enjoy this outstanding performance.
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