Cleveland Takes Home Three Statewide Honors at 2025 Mississippi Main Street Awards

June 23, 2025

CLEVELAND, MS. – Cleveland Main Street was proudly honored with three prestigious awards at the 2025 Mississippi Main Street Association (MMSA) Annual Awards Luncheon, held June 17 at The South in downtown Jackson. The ceremony recognized outstanding achievements in downtown revitalization and community development across the state.

Cleveland stood out among Mississippi’s designated Main Street communities for its creativity, leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Main Street Hero: The Fighting Okra

Presented by the City of Vicksburg and awarded by Mayor George Flaggs, Jr., Cleveland’s own Fighting Okra received the Main Street Hero award—one of the event’s most spirited honors. While he might be unconventional, the Okra is a beloved mascot who transcends sports to serve as a year-round ambassador for downtown Cleveland.

From energizing crowds at Octoberfest to lighting up faces at the Downtown Tree Lighting, the Fighting Okra’s presence bridges Delta State University with the local community, boosting engagement and promoting local business through campaigns like Shop Cleveland First and Open House Weekend. With a larger-than-life personality, the Fighting Okra has become a true advocate for Main Street and a symbol of Cleveland’s creative heart.

Outstanding Creative Event – Large Community: 50 Nights of Lights

Cleveland’s beloved 50 Nights of Lights earned the award for Outstanding Creative Event – Attendance Over 5,000. Accepted by Becky Nowell on behalf of Cleveland Main Street, the recognition celebrates a tradition that has grown into one of Mississippi’s premier holiday events.

What began as a grassroots effort by community leaders Jane Dunlap, Clemmie Collins, and Jo Beth Janoush has transformed into a season-long celebration. Featuring over one million lights, themed blocks, and weekly programming, 50 Nights of Lights drew more than 50,000 out-of-town visitors in 2024. Now organized by a volunteer committee and supported by the Cleveland-Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce, the event boosts both local spirit and downtown commerce each holiday season.

Outstanding New Business – Medium Community: Leña Pizza + Bagels

Leña Pizza + Bagels received the Outstanding New Business award for a medium-sized community, accepted by founder Marisol Doyle. Sponsored by Hancock Whitney and presented by Brent Fairley, the award highlights the transformative role the restaurant has played in downtown Cleveland.

Opened in 2023, Leña has quickly become a culinary landmark. With hand-crafted bagels and wood-fired pizzas inspired by Marisol’s international training—including at Italy’s Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana—the restaurant brings high-caliber food to the heart of the Delta. Leña has earned national acclaim, including a spot on The New York Times’ 2024 list of Top 22 Pizzerias and recognition among the Top 100 Pizza Chefs in the World. More than just a business, Leña has added vibrancy and momentum to Cleveland’s revitalization efforts.

These awards reflect the strength of Cleveland’s partnerships, creative leadership, and commitment to community. From its events to its entrepreneurs to its iconic mascot, Cleveland continues to show why it is truly “A Different Kind of Delta.”