Town Prepares For ‘Healthy Hometown’ Celebration

MANTACHIE, Miss. (WCBI) – Hard work by residents in one Northeast Mississippi community pays off in a big way. Leaders in Mantachie are helping residents there lead healthier lifestyles, and getting a prestigious honor in the process.

As youngsters played nearby, plans are being made for a big day.

“On October 21st, we’re going to have a Mantachie Healthy Hometown Day celebration,” said Vaunita Martin, with the Itawamba County Development Council.

The celebration marks Mantachie’s distinction as a winner of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation’s Healthy Hometown Award.

Mantachie was selected as one of three runners up, and will get a $25,000 grant. The money will help fund a number of improvements to the public park, such a new farmer’s market,  upgrading the tennis courts and a new splash pad.

The town’s emphasis on healthy living began more than a decade ago, when a smoking ordinance was passed, banning smoking in any businesses or public areas.   Mantachie’s Mayor says the city has been proactive promoting health and wellness.

“We adopted more policies, we adopted a wellness policy for our employees, they get to work out and exercise during work hours, we developed a helmet policy, safety policy for bikes, for children in our town, for future development, we are looking at adding a sidewalk plan to future developments for safety and for health,” said Mantachie Mayor Matt Fennell.

City leaders especially want young people to adopt healthy lifestyles, that’s why this fitness station was installed at the elementary school and it played a big role in Mantachie’s big honor.

“It starts at home with the parents, without schools and our community, everyone working together to live our healthiest life possible,”  Martin said.

A host of activities are planned for the healthy hometown celebration, including a bike ride for kids,  free fitness classes, and a healthy chili cookoff.

For more information go to mantachie.itawambams.com