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The sun peeped through the clouds for a brief time as the 2017 Mt. Olive Wagon Train traveled through Magee. This annual event takes place every year on the Sunday before opening ceremonies of the Dixie National Rodeo in Jackson, MS. Sunday afternoon, February 5th, the Mount Olive Wagon Train made its way through the heart of Magee up Hwy 149. The wagon train actually started it’s route on Saturday in Smith County. Wagon Master, Tommy Sullivan of the Saratoga/ Merry Hell Community has been the wagon master since 2009. Tommy’s stepmother, the former wagon master, Florine Sullivan passed away in 2008. According to Tommy’s brother, Danny Joe Sullivan, who has participated in the wagon train with Tommy and father, JM Sullivan, this is the 36th year for the Mt. Olive Wagon Train.
The parade is for the young and old. For many this is a family tradition that has been passed down through many generations. Other than JM, Tommy, and Danny Joe Sullivan, the one that has participated in the wagon train the longest is Mr. Douglas Parkman from Polkville. Mr. Parkman spoke of riding in the Mt. Olive Wagon Train for the past 33 years. Mr. Parkman and his son enjoy this annual event. The youngest rider eleven months old Noah Millis was all smiles with his “Mimi” Wanda Millis. Noah is the son of Ryan and Tiffany Millis. (pictured are Mr. Parkman and Noah Millis)
The 2017 Mt. Olive Wagon Train consisted of 28 wagons and over 145 riders. Riders and wagons came from as far as Louisiana and Texas to participate in the Mt. Olive group.
What a beautiful Sunday afternoon for “Mimi Diane” McPhail to have a few of her “babies” out enjoying the afternoon of horses and wagons. (Pictured are Diane McPhail, Dolly Bishop, Maddie Ellen Maddox, Gage and Fuller Kemp)
A glow of happiness filled the riders faces as they smile and wave to the onlookers along the parade route. The horses used in today’s wagon train are not the actual Superbowl Clydesdales but to these participants and onlookers these horses are their “Dixie National Clydesdales”!!
The riders will take a rest Sunday night around the Boswell Center on Hwy 149 before continuing on their journey to the Dixie National Rodeo on Monday. Tommy Sullivan stated the wagon train will reach their destination, which is the Jackson Coliseum, on Thursday morning around 11:30am.
For a full video of the 2017 Wagon Train traveling through Magee check out MageeNews.com Facebook page.
In closing, Tommy wanted to thank those that participated in the Mt. Olive Wagon Train. Tommy went on to say a BIG THANK YOU to the Magee Police Department for their escort through Magee and to the motorists for their patience and courtesy along the route.
The 2017 Mt. Olive Dixie National Wagon Train was In Honor of J.M. Sullivan.
