Mystic Wind Choctaw Dancers win big at Dixie National

The Mystic Wind Choctaw Dancers from Neshoba County stole the show at the 2025 Dixie National Parade on Saturday, Feb. 8, in Jackson.

Their originality, uniformity, and creativity impressed the panel of judges, securing them first place for best decorative float and the Commissioner’s Award, which recognizes the best overall participant in the procession.

The parade, a beloved tradition of the Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo, featured a lineup of rodeo and title queens, marching bands, floats, car and tractor clubs, riding groups, and the famous Dixie National Wagon Train, which is made up of eight individual wagon trains from around the state of Mississippi.

A panel of local celebrity and distinguished guests judged this year’s participants, including “Your Hometown Country” US 96.3’s Hannah Lane, Kim Allen, and Bree Gray, along with Mississippi 4-H President John Clayton Kitchens and Mississippi FFA Association President Laynie Dodson.

Each year, first and second place winners are selected in various categories, including best motorized club, marching group, float, and riding group, as well as first, second and third place winners from the Dixie National Wagon Train.

The Commissioner’s Award, the most coveted honor, is chosen from the 46 parade entries, making the Mystic Wind Choctaw Dancers’ achievement even more momentous.

For more information and a full event schedule for the 60th Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo, visit www.dixienational.org and follow the Dixie National Livestock Show & Rodeo on Facebook, Instagram, and X.