Would a Tamale by another name taste as hot?
The new mascot for the Delta Hot Tamale Festival has been unveiled but has not yet been given a name.
Gretchen Giachelli, Greenville Main Street director, said creating a mascot for the festival is an idea that has been in the works for years.
“We are excited to announce that we have added a new member to the team,” Giachelli said. Unfortunately, we do not have a name yet.”
Suggestions are being received and the person who suggests the name chosen by the committee will receive a free 2019 Delta Hot Tamale t-shirt.
Suggestions are being accepted on the Delta Hot Tamale Festival Facebook page or by calling Greenville Main Street until 2 p.m. Friday.
“For years we have searched for the appropriate mascot for the festival,” Giachelli said. “We finally found one and we are excited about it. This mascot will be used to promote and market the tamale festival. We plan on having a lot of fun wit the mascot as we promote the festival. I can’t wait to see what his or her name will be.”
Giachelli anticipates a name will be selected and announced Monday.
Festival t-shirt design
Applications for the 2019 Delta Hot Tamale Festival poster/ t-shirt art contest are now available. Deadline for entry is May 31.
“The festival is less than six months away and preparations have already begun,” Giachello said. “This festival is a huge deal for downtown, for Greenville and the area.”
As part of the annual design contest, artist are asked to submit a design that represents the Delta and festival.
“Anyone can submit. You don’t have to be a professional, and it doesn’t matter how old or young a person is,” Giachelli said. “We want participation and are looking forward to the designs.”
Contest Rules
• Entry Limit: One submission (1) per person.
• Design should incorporate or reference the following: Hot Tamales with shucks; 8th Annual Delta Hot Tamale Festival; Greenville, Mississippi.
•Feel free to incorporate dates, location, Greenville, Hot Tamale references, and/or Delta cultural aspects. We encourage you to stretch your creativity.
• Artwork must be vertical, measuring 11” x 17” or of a similar aspect ratio.
• Please do not sign the artwork. The winner will be allowed to sign their artwork after judging is completed.
• Keeping with the tradition of Mississippi Delta Folk Art, all mediums and techniques are encouraged, but preference will be given to hand rendered artwork.
• Failure to regard the above rules will result in disqualification.
• Winner will receive a $300 cash prize.
