It’s National Rice Month!

CLEVELAND – Mississippi farmers want to show off their rice crop at its best, served in hundreds of dishes for sampling at the 23rd annual rice-tasting luncheon in Cleveland.

The dishes will be available from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Sept. 20 at Delta State University’s Walter Sillers Coliseum.

Laura Giaccaglia, Bolivar County Extension agent and coordinator, said the event attracts about 1,500 people each September, which is National Rice Month.

More than 300 dishes prepared by rice-growing families and Delta restaurants will be available for sampling. Most of the recipes served are available in “Between the Levees,” a local cookbook that will be on sale along with other rice-related items. Health screening and nutrition booths with many exhibits and door prizes will be part of the event.

Luncheon tickets are $5 and will be sold at the door or may be purchased in advance throughout the Delta at Farm Bureau and Extension Service offices. For more information, call the Bolivar County Extension office at 662-843-8371.