By Josh Troy
Clarksdale Advocate
Samantha Edmonson’s goal is to bring more activities to the community as the new Director of Programs and Memberships for Crossroads Economic Partnership.Edmonson started as an administrative assistant for Crossroads Economic Partnership in Jan. 2022, but was promoted to her current position in Dec. 2022.
She began organizing a 5K race called “Dash Down Delta” shortly after becoming the Director of Programs and Memberships.Dash Down Delta will be at 8 a.m. March 25 with registration beginning at 7 a.m. and a $30 entry fee. There will also be a one-mile run for kids with a $20 entry fee.
Edmonson said March was a good time to hold a 5K race. “It’s spring,” she said. “Get everybody out healthy. We’re trying to promote good health. ”Edmonson said the money raised from the 5K and kids races will go toward future events Crossroads Economic Partnership is organizing. The routes have not been finalized, but the race will start and finish at the Crossroads Economic Partnership office on Third Street and go through Delta Avenue.Edmonson said she came up with the name Dash Down Delta from the street Delta Avenue.
First, second and third place winners for the 5K and kids races will receive medals.
“Basically, I just wanted the Chamber (Crossroads Economic Partnership) to be more involved, do more things, bring more activities for the community,” she said. “To start, we decided to bring a 5K called Dash Down Delta. I’ve had a lot of help doing it and I’m not the only one doing it.” Megan Denton, Julie Flowers and past Crossroads Economic Partnership President Dianne Mitchell are also organizing the event. “They’re really the ones heading it up, getting it going,” Edmonson said.
While anyone can enter right up to the morning of the race, participants who register by March 3 will be guaranteed a T-shirt with a Dash Down Delta logo. Registration forms can be found in downtown Clarksdale at Crossroad Economic Partnership, First National Bank of Clarksdale, Clarksdale Nutrition, Magpie Gift & Art and Nellie May’s. Edmonson is hoping to have many more Dash Down Delta races. “We’re seeing how it turns out,” she said. “If we get a good turnout from the community, then we’re going to make it an annual event (Crossroads Economic Partnership) hosts.
“I think people are getting excited (about Dash Down Delta). There’s a lot of talk on social media always. When I’ve talked face-to-face with people, they seemed excited about it.”
Edmonson will be announcing other activities Crossroads Economic Partnership is organizing for both adults and kids as details are finalized. Edmonson said she will also be organizing activities for adults that could encourage them to shop locally. Those needing information about Dash Down Delta may contact Crossroads Economic Partnership at (662) 627-7337 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. weekdays.
About Samantha Edmonson
Edmonson is a Senatobia native, but moved to Clarksdale four years ago where her then-fiancée and current husband Matthew Edmonson is from. She worked for Planters Bank for more than three years before coming to Crossroads Economic Partnership. Edmonson said working for Crossroads Economic Partnership was an opportunity to use her marketing degree from Ole Miss in 2018. Things have worked out for Edmonson since joining Crossroads Economic Partnership. Dash Down Delta is the first new event Edmonson organized as the Director of Programs and Memberships, but she did oversee the Christmas parade in Dec. 2022. “People told me that they really enjoy other things that we’ve done like the Christmas parade,” she said. “That was the first real major thing to do by myself.”
