The Fools Ball/Fall Ball

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Byhalia, MS
The Fools Ball/Fall Ball

Over the years people have gathered out in fields and forests in Northern Mississippi to take part i
(205)

Address

1911 Wall Hill Rd
Byhalia, MS
38611

Website

http://www.loveoflifefamily.com/

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History of The BALLS!

Mark and Donna met in West Carrollton, OH (near Dayton, OH) in April 1992. While hanging out, enjoying the company of many of the same friends & social activities - they 'fell in deep like' and then inevitably in love with each other and the life they had together. Around 1995, after Jerry Garcia of The Grateful Dead, died, they started thinking about maybe moving on - somewhere warmer, new opportunities. They figured they would trade in 'what if' even if it was for 'why did we'. After 3 going away parties & a final 'just get the hell out of town' party, they sadly left their closest friends - their 'chosen family' in Ohio & headed to Memphis, TN in Jan 1999. They had met their friend Mary a few years before and she kindly let them stay with her while they got their feet on the ground. Three months later, they had purchased 3 acres of land in Hernando, MS and a mobile home - with the dream of building a house on the property in the future... Being 8 miles east of the city of Hernado, the land provided a great place for bonfires & friendly gatherings...which became known as The MaDlands (Mark and Donna lands) and eventually the first home of The Fools Ball.

The MaDlands is many things. During this first year - and still today - it is a place full of love & laughter, and everything in between. Many of their friends from Ohio called The MaDlands home. It was a stepping stone along their path. Everyones lives became richer because of the interactions and livin' & learnin' together.

Mark & Donna returned to Dayton Ohio for their wedding on April 1, 2000. A mix of traditional and MaDness - beginning with "All You Need Is Love" and walking down the aisle as husband & wife to "Not Fade Away". It was a wonderful day - a celebration of love & life. At the end of the receptioin, Mark said, "If y'all had fun tonight - come to our anniversary party, when we will be in charge!"

They started to get the ball rolling. It was time for everyone from Ohio to visit and see where they lived & meet all their new friends in Memphis & MS. So they began to plan their anniversary party...The Fools Ball.

They had land, a fire-pit, a 'stage' (a borrowed 16' trailer), "The Best Grilled Cheese In The World" & rented port-a-johns. Now, they needed Fools - both musical and otherwise. Living near Memphis, the music never stopped' and many of their new southern friends were making that music. They volunteered their time, talent,love, energy & equipment to become part of this Love Of Life Production. With the sparks from the fire which was " The Grateful Dead" and all of their experiences on that 'long strange trip' they, along with their friends, turned some of the embers into a flame of their own. The party promised at their wedding reception was about to happen.

The first Fools Ball had close to 50 people - with more than half of them from Ohio, and they did have a ball...even dancing in the rain! As everyone left, the good-bye sentiment was, "Let's do it again next year!" And they did. Fools Ball 2 was again a celebration of family, friends, music, fun & foolishness - along with April showers & Mississippi mud. Some of the 'family' started thinking they should do this in Oct. so there is a better chance of some good weather. Everyone was on board so their 'ship of fools' set sail for The Fall Ball in Oct. 2002.

Predominantly Memphis & N. MS based music - these festivals have drawn bands from Nashville, TN; San Diego, CA; Birmingham, AL and St. Louis, MO along with many local favorites. You'll hear music of varying styles from jam, funk, punk, good ol' rock-n-roll, metal, blues, bluegrass & more. You can also find music being made at any time with sing-a-longs & impromptu jams throughout the campsites and drum circles around the community bonfire. There have been trapeze performers & lessons, fire poi, hula hoops, light shows, artists, kid village, merchandise & food vendors, and attendance nearing 1000.

April 1, 2019 was Mark and Donna's 19th anniversary! The Fools Ball is generally held the first weekend in April - and FALL BALL - near the first weekend in Oct. After 19 years of Balls...35 so far...19 Fools Balls, 15 Fall Balls , 1 Between The Balls in June of 2005, and “The Happy Camper - Mind, Body, Soul & Spirit Retreat” in Nov. 2019.....they are still livin' & learnin' and lovin' everyday! April 3-5, 2020 we will celebrate 20 YEARS of LOVE & MUSIC with FOOLS BALL 20 @ Cherry Place, 341 Wilson Golden Rd. Waterford, MS (side entrance) $40 for all weekend - camping included! Animals welcome $5/each (goes to the Local Animal Shelter) LET”S HAVE A BALL! :-)