By the calendar, spring arrived 10 days ago.
In the event, you haven’t found an excuse to celebrate, you’ll have your pick of events this weekend.
The 77th Columbus Pilgrimage will be in full swing following tonight’s kickoff party, which has moved from the grounds of the Tennessee Williams Welcome Center to the Elks Lodge in anticipation of some nasty weather.
The good news is the bad weather is predicted to give way to warm, sunny skies through the weekend. Saturday’s weather, in particular, is expected to be ideal for getting out and about.
In Columbus, downtown is the place to be Saturday, with three events scheduled throughout the day.
The fun begins at 7 a.m. With the Fourth Annual Pilgrimage Half-Marathon, which begins on the grounds of the Tennessee Williams Welcome Center. You an register online today at columbushalfmarathon5K.com, but you can also register Saturday prior to the start.
For those who prefer a slower pace to their fun, Catfish in the Alley may be more your style. The Pilgrimage event, which celebrates the history of Catfish Alley, will be held from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and features music, games and, of course, catfish lunch plates. That event is followed at 4 p.m. by the Mayor’s Unity Picnic, a free event held each year at the Riverwalk at the west end of Main Street.
For some, the arrival of spring sparks an urge to “get out and see the world.” If time and resources make that difficult, the 27th annual International Fiesta on the Mississippi State University campus offers a great alternative.
The event, held from 11 a.m. Until 3 p.m., on the MSU Drill Field is perhaps the most colorful event held in the Golden Triangle each year, as international students set up booths and proudly share their cultures with visitors — including native foods, dress, music and other aspects of their culture. While most of the activities are free, we also recommend sampling the cuisine, which is offered at a small charge.
From running to music to tours to sampling other cultures, this weekend provides us a chance to celebrate spring with a diversity of offerings that few other places can match.
So, get out and about, greet your neighbors, have fun, pick up after yourselves and welcome the arrival of spring.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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