Mississippi State Hospital celebrated MSH Day 2026 on Wednesday, May 13, with a full day of food, games, music, crafts, and camaraderie in MSH Park.
With perfect weather overhead, patients and residents spent the day enjoying activities across the park. Departments hosted games, crafts gave participants a chance to be creative, and face-painting added a pop of color to the celebration. Popcorn, snow cones, burgers, and sausage dogs were served throughout the day, giving everyone plenty of classic outdoor favorites to enjoy.
Music filled the park as patients, residents, and staff alike joined in with dancing, laughter, and good conversation. More than anything, the day provided a chance for the MSH community to step away from the usual routine and enjoy time together.
Carla Dearman, chair of the MSH Day Committee, said the event was a success because of the many people who helped make it happen.
“I just want to say thank you to everyone who helped make MSH Day 2026 such a great success,” Dearman said. “It was such a great day all around. The games were fun, the food was great, the weather was beautiful, and most importantly, our patients seemed to truly enjoy themselves. Seeing everyone smiling, laughing, and having a good time made all the hard work worth it.”
Dearman also thanked the departments that provided games and helped create a fun experience for patients and residents. She said the staff members who came with patients and helped them take part in the day’s activities played an important role in making the event go smoothly.
“Your patience, energy, and willingness to jump in and help did not go unnoticed,” Dearman said.
She also recognized the MSH Day Committee for the planning and behind-the-scenes work that went into the event.
“So much goes on behind the scenes, and it definitely showed in how smoothly everything went,” Dearman said. “MSH Day 2026 was a huge success, and I already can’t wait for MSH Day 2027 to be even better.”
The 2026 MSH Day Committee includes: Carla Dearman (Chairman), Julie Cox, Stacey Davis, Jenny Pittman, Amy Carruth, Sonya Myers, Angela Howell, and Sheila Shows.
This year’s celebration also included a special touch from one of MSH’s own. Chassity Vanderford was named the winner of the MSH Day T-shirt design contest. Vanderford said she was excited and grateful to have her design selected.
“I felt proud of being able to represent MSH in a positive and meaningful way,” Vanderford said. “I’m truly honored that my design was chosen.”
Vanderford’s design was inspired by the beauty, history, and character of the MSH campus. After 20 years of working at MSH, she said she still appreciates the experience of driving onto campus and seeing the landscape, historic buildings, and natural surroundings. She also included a detail many on campus know well: the geese.
MSH Day remains one of the hospital’s most beloved annual traditions, offering patients, residents, and staff a chance to enjoy the campus, celebrate community, and make memories together. This year’s event brought together the best parts of that tradition: good food, good weather, good music, and a park full of smiling faces.