Preparing for the Future

From its beginnings as an early Native American village amid virgin timber fields and cypress swamps, Kennett today lays claim to the title of agricultural powerhouse.  A massive drainage effort dating back to the late 19th century, and continuing on up through The Great Depression, turned original swamplands into the some of the most fertile farm fields in the entire state of Missouri and created the nation's largest drainage district.  As a result, Kennett and the surrounding area are now the state's largest producer of cotton, rice, watermelon and cantaloupes.

The area is also well known for another famous export:  Our music.  Kennett is hometown to Grammy Award-winning artist, Sheryl Crow, celebrated country artists, David Nail and Trent Tomlinson, Nashville rockers Blackjack Billy and operatic tenor soloist, Limmie Pulliam.  Their talents grow from a long-standing local musical tradition that remains vibrant today, thriving in Kennett's schools, our churches and our households, up and down the block.  Whether you're enjoying a concert in the old park bandshell by the Kennett Municipal Band, or catching a show at the SEMO Little Theatre, our community offers many different performing arts venues, as well.

Our BBQ is the best, our strawberry cake will make your tastebuds explode, our catfish is plentiful (along with a side of hushpuppies), our Farmers' Market and our new Community Garden will put loads of fresh produce on your table all season long. 

You can spend a day in town shopping and antiquing, or enjoy a movie at the cinema.   You can also hop just outside the city limits, for hunting and fishing.  These sports attract more and more enthusiasts each year.  In fact, our waterfowl hunting season is a rapidly growing, local industry, poised to burst onto the national scene.

Kennett is also a proud home to many different educational opportunities, from our AAA-rated public school system, to our Career and Technology Center, to the two-year associate degrees found at Three Rivers Community College and the four-year programs at the local campus of Southeast Missouri State University.

Whatever your reason for exploring our diverse community, Kennett and the Chamber of Commerce welcome you!

Selected Photographs Courtesy of the Delta Dunklin Democrat