Tuesday, Aug. 14
“The Delta Chinese” — In conjunction with the exhibit “Grocery Stories: Stories Behind the Counter of MS Delta Chinese Grocery Stores,” Sherman Hong discusses “The Delta Chinese in 20th Century Mississippi” at noon at the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library, 314 Seventh St. N. Free. Call 662-329-5304 for more information.
Thursday, Aug. 16
Downtown at Sundown — Bring lawn chairs or blankets to Fire Station Park for a free concert from 7-9 p.m. featuring Brent Varner and Jake Slinkard. No coolers; food vendors will be on site. For more information, visit starkville.org.
Saturday, Aug. 18
Possum Town Triathlon — Swim 600 yards, bike 17 miles and run 3.3 miles in the Possum Town Triathlon at Columbus Lake on Wilkins-Wise Road. The event begins at 7 a.m. Learn more and register at possumtowntriathlon.com.
Cars and Coffee — View vintage and unique automobiles at this mini car show presented by Southern Cruisers members from 7-10:30 a.m. during the Hitching Lot Farmers Market at Second Avenue and Second Street North.
Playground grand opening — The public is invited to a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. for Crown Park Playground at the Columbus Soccer Complex, Second Avenue and Second Street North, established by Junior Auxiliary of Columbus with Lowndes County Board of Supervisors and then-Recreation manager Roger Short.
Golden Triangle Comic Con — This celebration of comic, geek and pop culture begins at 10 a.m. at Trotter Convention Center in downtown Columbus with celebrity guests, gaming, tournaments and cosplay. Get information and tickets at gtcomiccon.com. Tickets at the door will be $20 for adults ($15 for military, first responders), $10 teens, $5 children (kids 6 and under get in free).
Saturday, Aug. 25
Forks & Corks — This Starkville Area Arts Council fundraiser is 6:30-10 p.m. at The Mill Conference Center in Starkville. Local chefs prepare specialties for tasting. Vote for your favorite. Tickets are $75 at eventbrite.com, or call 662-324-3080.
Sunday, Aug. 26
Sunday Funday — This mini arts and music fest from 1-6 p.m. near the Parthenon on University Drive in Starkville features art vendors, kids’ art activities, local music and more.
Wednesday, Aug. 29
Book signing — Bill Darnell will talk about his book “One Light City” and sign copies from 2-3:30 p.m. at the Caledonia Public Library on Main Street in Caledonia. Light refreshments will be served.
Get Swept Up — Volunteers can sign up now to “fix up, spruce up, clean up” outdoor areas of Starkville before the Bulldogs’ first home game. Register at getsweptup.com. For more information, contact The Partnership, 662-323-3322.
Friday, Aug 31
Black Prairie Blues Festival — This 23rd annual fest (formerly Howlin’ Wolf Blues Festival) features Jessie Robinson, Ghost Town Blues Band, and Big Joe Shelton and the Black Prairie Blues Ambassadors at Mary Holmes College in West Point. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.; music begins at 6 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance ($25 at the door) at blackprairiebluesfestival.com, or at the Growth Alliance in West Point or Jack Forbus Insurance in Starkville. For information, visit the site or contact Jeremy Klutts, 662-295-8361.
Saturday, Sept. 1
Prairie Arts Festival — West Point’s 40th annual arts festival features about 300 vendors of fine arts, crafts and food throughout downtown West Point. For more information, visit facebook.com/PrairieArtsFestival or contact the Growth Alliance at 662-494-5121.
Ongoing
Farmers Markets — Columbus Hitching Lot Farmers Market: Mondays 4-6 p.m.; Thursdays/Saturdays 7-10 a.m. Second Street and Second Avenue North.
Starkville Community Market: Tuesdays 4-6 p.m.; Saturdays 7:30-10:30 a.m. Fire Station Park, Russell and Lampkin Streets.
West Point Farmers Market: Thursdays 5-6:30 p.m., Mossy Oak Outlet Pavilion, Highway 45 Alt.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 32 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.