Wednesday, Aug. 7
Southern Miss alumni — University of Southern Mississippi alumni and friends in the Golden Triangle are invited to the Columbus Kiwanis Club meeting at noon at the Lion Hills Golf Club to hear Southern Mississippi Student Government President and Columbus native Ann Marie Chilcutt speak. Cost to attend is $9.50 and covers lunch. A brief meeting about reorganization of the Southern Miss Golden Triangle Alumni Chapter follows lunch. RSVP to Brad Barr at [email protected] or Keith Gaskin at [email protected].
Friday, Aug. 9
Denim & Diamonds — A western-themed barbecue dinner, jewelry raffle, silent auction and dancing to the music of Bill Cooke’s band highlight this fundraiser for the Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum at the Shrine Club in Starkville at 6 p.m. Tickets are $35 at The Book Mart in downtown Starkville or the Heritage Museum at 206 Fellowship St., or from Friends of the Museum board members. For information, contact the museum at 662-323-0211.
Tuesday, Aug. 13
Writers’ meeting — This informal gathering at the Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St., Columbus, is free and open to anyone interesed in writing and storytelling. For more information, contact the Columbus Arts Council, 662-328-2787.
Thursday, Aug. 15
Roast-n-Boast auction — This charity fundraiser at the American Legion Hall in Columbus at 7 p.m. features everything from electronics and sports memorabilia to furniture and more to bid on. Free to attend and open to the public. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. For more information, contact Mike Law, 662-549-5054.
Friday, Aug. 16
Big Joe Shelton CD release party — Hear this Blues Music Award-nominated performer and the Black Prairie Blues Ambassadors live at a release party for their new CD, “I’d Never Let Her Down,” at the Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St., Columbus. Doors open at 6 p.m.; music begins at 6:30 p.m. $5 admission; light snacks are included. There will be a cash beverage bar. For more information, call 662-328-2787.
Saturday, Aug. 17
Possum Town Triathlon — Feeling pumped? This event at Columbus Lake at the Stennis Lock and Dam includes a 600-yard swim, 17-mile bike ride and 3.3 mile run. Starting time is 7 a.m.; awards will be presented at 10 a.m. Learn more at possumtowntriathlon.com or call 662-574-5539.
Friday and Saturday,
Aug. 23-24
Roast-n-Boast — The Kansas City Barbeque Society-sanctioned Mississippi Barbeque Cooking Championship at the Columbus Fairgrounds boasts $13,000 in prizes, live music, food vendors and a People’s Choice Tent. For more information, visit roastnboast.com or contact Mike Law, 662-549-5054.
Tuesday, Aug. 27
Ellis Island documentary — The Columbus Arts Council presents a free screening of the PBS documentary “Forgotten Ellis Island,” at 5:30 p.m. at the Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St., Columbus. This is the first film about the hospital on Ellis Island that once boasted 22 medical buildings and treated thousands of immigrants. The documentary ties into the CAC’s theme for the 2013-14 season, “Coming to America.” For information, call 662-328-2787.
Friday, Aug. 30
Howlin’ Wolf Festival — Mark “Muleman” Massey Blues Band with Bill Earheart, Ben Prestage, Homemade Jamz and Bryan Lee and the Blues Power Band highlight the 18th annual Howlin’ Wolf Memorial Blues Festival at Mary Holmes College Auditorium in West Point. Doors open at 6 p.m.; music begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance at the Rosenzweig Arts Center in Columbus, Jack Forbus Insurance in Starkville, Culin Arts in West Point or online at wpnet.org/Howlin_Festival.htm. For more information, contact Richard Ramsey at 662-605-0770 or [email protected].
Saturday, Aug. 31
Prairie Arts Festival — West Point’s 35th annual festival features fine arts, crafts, down-home Southern cooking, live music, Kidsville and much more from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call the Growth Alliance at 662-494-5121, email [email protected] or check out Prairie Arts Festival on Facebook.
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