No small American town evokes the historic sites and stories of the Civil War more than Newton.

In the early 1860s in this tiny southern town, Col. Benjamin Grierson led a raid that was hailed by Gen. William T. Sherman as “the most brilliant expedition of the war.” The destruction included the burning of the train depot, commissary house and many storehouses. Two trains were captured and several miles of railroad track were destroyed throughout the raid.

The depot burned by Grierson’s soldiers had been established in 1860 under the name of the Newton Depot. It was rebuilt in 1905 as a visitors center and the home of the Newton Chamber of Commerce.

More than 150 years later, the town continues to celebrate its history with the 14th Annual Loose Caboose Festival to be held Saturday.

The purpose of the festival is to provide a day full of arts, living history, entertainment and enticing foods. The annual festival provides an opportunity for this historic town to share its rich culture with the rest of the state.

This year, the Newton Chamber of Commerce is focusing on celebrating the historic value of the town as well as the 200th birthday of Mississippi. The festival provides a unique opportunity to combine the culture from the past with the future growth of Newton. 

Mississippi Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves stated, “Bicentennial celebrations are an opportunity to showcase our small towns and their cultural contributions to visitors from around the world.” The town of Newton plans to do just that with the Loose Caboose Festival.

“As coordinator of the 14th Annual Loose Caboose Festival, I am quite honored to have the responsibility of integrating the 200th birthday of our state into our celebration,” said Leigh Anne Whittle, Newton Chamber of Commerce Director. “The Newton Depot, made famous by Grierson’s Raid during the battle of the states, will be open during the festival, and we will feature many other historic landmarks for visitors to our community.”

The festival’s name was inspired by the infamous stand-alone red caboose that sits next to the historic Newton Depot. This year’s festival will begin with an opening ceremony dedicated to all veterans and current Armed Forces in the United States followed by a parade of individuals portraying living history. Live music will be on the main stage surrounded by the BankFirst Car Show on Third Street. Vendors from all over the southeast will showcase arts and crafts as well as a wide variety of food to satisfy all appetites.

At 10 a.m. Larry Reber of Gettysburg Soldiers will assist the Newton Chamber of Commerce in unveiling a historical diorama of handprinted miniatures that depicts Grierson’s Raid on Newton Station. There will be many historians on hand to educate and answer questions from the public about life in Newton during the 1800s and early 1900s.

For the children, the festival provides a park full of activities that include a petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, and bounce houses. A big attraction this year is the monster truck rides.

Rounding out the day’s activities will be a free afternoon concert featuring live music from SouthBound from Philadelphia.

For more information, contact the Newton Chamber of Commerce at 601-683-2201 or visit www.newtonchamberms.com.