×

Vicksburg to celebrate 130 years of Coca-Cola

By Malaysia McCoy Feb 16, 2024 | 4:45 PM

VICKSBURG, Miss. (WJTV) – Vicksburg is gearing up for a weeklong celebration to mark the 130th anniversary of the bottling of Coca-Cola in the River City.

Coca-Cola was first bottled in downtown Vicksburg, Mississippi on March 12, 1894. The Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum was constructed in 1890 and initially used by the Biedenharn family as a wholesale candy company and a shoe store.

Joseph Biedenharn was approached by Asa Griggs Candler, the owner of The Coca-Cola Company, who asked him to add the Coca-Cola syrup to his lineup of soda fountain flavors. He later asked Joe to supply the iconic syrup to area soda fountains. 

In 1894, Joe Biedenharn was asked by his patrons to provide Coke in bottles like he had been doing with his strawberry-flavored drink in order to make the product more accessible to country residents.

On March 11, 2024, Vicksburg will celebrate the 130th anniversary of the first bottling of Coca-Cola anywhere in the world at the Biedenharn Candy Company with a full week of celebrations showcasing the classic Coca-Cola theme.

  • Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum (WJTV)
  • Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum (WJTV)
  • Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum (WJTV)

Festivities kick off on March 11 with a Historic Marker Proclamation and Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours at the Coca-Cola Museum at 4:00 p.m. Vicksburg Main Street will feature Classic Shops & Soda Shops on Thursday March 14 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a special night of shopping.

In addition, the classic partnership of Rum and Coke will be highlighted at a tasting event on March 14 at The Inn at Cedar Grove at 6:00 p.m.

Visitors can take part in the Classic ‘Sip Fest with more events including a stroll over the Mississippi River and the Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation Sock Hop, complete with a juke box! Saturday’s events include Classic ‘Sip Fest Wheels Show featuring a classic cars and motorcycles show in partnership with the Vicksburg Cruisers and Movie on the Lawn showing “The Love Bug” at Levee Street Warehouse.

Also on the agenda for the weekend are performances of Gold in the Hills at Parkside Playhouse and Sunday Brunch at The Watermark. In addition, several downtown eateries are creating a special Coca-Cola menu item throughout the week in honor of the celebration.