This year, 2023, will mark the 35th anniversary of Heritage Day in the City of Iuka. Started in 1988, the first Heritage Day was sponsored by the Tishomingo County Development Foundation, the Mayor and Board of Aldermen, and the Iuka Chamber of Commerce. It was held on May 14, 1988.

The first Heritage Day followed the reenactment of the Battle of Iuka which was held in September of 1987. The big event in May was held to commemorate events of historical importance in the town, similar to the 100th Birthday Celebration of Iuka which was held in 1957. Re-living the history of Iuka was the main theme of the day. There were wagon tours of the historic homes, a Civil War living history camp, dedication of the Log Cabin that has been placed in the Mineral Springs Park, re-enactment of General Henry Little’s burial at Twin Magnolias, Chief Iuka’s healing, Choctaw Indian dancers, Harry Rhine Tales, a wedding, and many more interesting events from the olden days. The first Heritage Day ended with the Development Foundation honoring Mississippi Governor Ray Mabus with a reception.

Over the 35 year span, the activities on Heritage Day have changed in many ways. It began in the spring, but was moved to Labor Day weekend in later years. Some years the celebrations have lasted from Friday night until Sunday afternoon. There was even an absence during the covid pandemic year. Thank goodness the celebrations are getting back to normal and the big day will be held again this year. The celebration, which began with many volunteers years ago, has struggled this year to recruit workers and donations to build the event back to its pre-pandemic excitement. These people are to be commended for their hard work!

When you think of the Heritage Days of the past, one name comes to mind as the “founder” and spirit behind the event – Judy Walker. Judy, and her husband Jim, took on the job of operating the concession stand in the old log cabin, located in Mineral Springs Park each summer. Judy was a hard worker, and enjoyed setting up and managing many fun times in Iuka, including Heritage Day. Jim was known for his famous pork skins, fresh fried in a cast iron pot barrel and his refreshing snow cones during the hot summer months.

Jim Walker was born in Iuka, one of Dr. Whitehurst’s many deliveries, but at the age of 9 his family moved to Chicago where his dad could find work. In Chicago is where Jim, at the age of 24, met and married 19-year-old Judy. They met in a Chicago apartment building where their families were neighbors. The young couple had four children, Debbie, Jim Jr., John, and Michelle. Jim moved his family back to his home town in Mississippi in 1978. Jim was disabled when he returned home and Judy worked for Earlean Henderson in Burnsville as a hairdresser. They were very active in the VFW and at one time Jim was the Commander of the local post and Judy was in charge of the Ladies Auxiliary.

When the city was given a log cabin to add to the scenery in the Spring Park, the Walkers were hired to operate the concession stand, which they did for the next 16 years. Memories of the Walkers and their hard work will always be connected to Heritage Day. We thank all those who have worked so hard over the years to make Heritage Day a tradition in Iuka that brings many people back home to this wonderful place called, “Iuka."