We have it from somewhat reliable sources that Saturday will be an “S and S” day — sunny and 70s.
Finally, huh?
If the forces that determine the weather hold up their end, the city of Columbus will certainly make good on its part of the bargain.
There is probably no better time of the year to live in the area than April and the first Saturday of April certainly attests to that.
From 7 a.m. until midnight, the day is bulging with activity. If you can’t find an event that suits your fancy, you might want to check your pulse.
Beginning at 7 a.m. with the opening day of the Hitching Lot Farmers’ Market and ending with the last weary dancer yielding the floor around midnight at the Junior Auxiliary Charity Ball at the Trotter Center, residents can shop for fresh, locally-produced food, get some exercise, absorb some of the city’s rich history, enjoy a city-wide picnic, watch local artists as they demonstrate their crafts, catch a play or dance the night away, just to name some of the events on the schedule. Our advice: Make a day of it!
In addition to early season produce, shoppers at the Farmers’ Market can expect to find homemade baked goods, plants for sale, and some local artisans with their wares.
The Pilgrimage 10K race, which also includes a one-mile “fun run” for kids, will start at 8 a.m. The run is sponsored by the Golden Triangle Running and Cycling Club and the Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau starts at 8 a.m. at the Tennessee Williams Home, 300 Main St. Register at runcyclegtr.org.
From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., you can watch craftsmen create period articles at Artisans Alley on the grounds of the Tennessee Williams Welcome Center. The event is part of the Pilgrimage celebration. For more information on any of the Pilgrimage events, contact the CCVB at 800-920-3533.
The Mayor’s Unity Picnic, hosted by Columbus Mayor Robert Smith, will be held at 4 p.m. at the Riverwalk in downtown Columbus. Enjoy free food, entertainment and fellowship.
The 73rd annual Columbus Pilgrimage, which started last week, continues with three home tours as well as church tours of Annunciation Catholic Church and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
At 6 p.m., the Southern Soiree, a benefit for the Palmer Home for Children, will be held at The Stables on Woodside Drive in Starkville. Guests will enjoy a Southern feast as well as music and a silent auction. For more information, contact Katherine Hewlett, 662-328-5704.
The Tennessee Williams Tribute Committee’s play, “Kingdom of Earth,” continues its two-week run at 7:30 p.m. in the former Alford Drug Store location at 425 Main St. Seating is limited and advance tickets are recommended. For more information, contact Brenda Caradine at 662-328-5413.
Caledonia will hold its town Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Ola J. Pickett Park The event was postponed by rain last week.
In Starkville, the city celebrates its milestone 175th birthday with a downtown parade beginning at 9 a.m. Also in Starkville, MSU’s annual International Fiesta, which features food, crafts and entertainment produced by students from dozens of countries, will begin at 11 a.m. at the Drill Field. In addition, The MSU Vet School will hold its open house from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Wise Center. Call 662-332-33222 for more information.
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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