Tuesday, Aug. 2
National Night Out in Columbus — Night Out Against Crime events from 5-8 p.m. in Columbus include activities at locations including East Columbus Gym, First United Methodist Church parking lot, North Haven Wood Park, Sandfield Community Center, Sim Scott Community Center and Townsend Community Center. Fellowship, food and safety information. For more information, contact Rhonda Sanders of the Columbus Police Department at 662-251-7355.
National Night Out in Starkville — This event from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Starkville Sportsplex includes food and family games. The Night Out campaign promotes police-community partnerships to make neighborhoods safer. For more information, contact Corp. Mandy Wilson at [email protected].
Thursday, Aug. 4
Exhibit opening — Come as you are to the Columbus Arts Council’s opening reception 5:30-7 p.m. for “Identify: Works on Paper and Plexi,” artwork by Matt Ballou and Jane Jun, at the Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St. Artwork by Joe Cook Elementary students will be featured in the adjoining Artist Alley. Call 662-328-2787 for information.
Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 4-7
Artesia Day — Activities begin Aug. 4 at 6 p.m.: 4-County workshop, giveaway, food, kickball. Aug. 5 at 6 p.m.: dance teams, DJ, speakers, entertainment. Aug. 6 at 2 p.m.: health fair, door prizes, tributes, entertainment through evening. Aug. 7 at 1 p.m.: ball games.
Friday, Aug. 5
Oktibbeha Relay for Life — Celebrate and remember at this fundraiser for the American Cancer Society from 6-11 p.m. at the Mississippi Horse Park in Starkville. For more information, contact Caleb Rich, 662-296-3747.
Saturday, Aug. 6
Pooch pool party — The sixth annual Dog Paddle at Starkville’s Moncrief Park pool is 10 a.m.-1 p.m., benefiting the Oktibbeha County Humane Society. Bring canine friends to swim and play. Registration fee ($25) includes admission for one dog, plus a T-shirt. Some restrictions apply. Register online at ochsms.org or call 662-338-9093.
Sunday, Aug. 7
Exhibit opening — The West Point/Clay County Arts Council hosts a 2 p.m. exhibit opening of artwork by Lee Gibson Lox and Poor Julia at the Louise Campbell Center for the Arts, 235 Commerce St., West Point. For more information, contact Kathy Dyess, 662-494-5678 or visit wpccac.com.
Friday, Aug. 12
Friday Night Jams — Musicians entertain at the Louise Campbell Center for the Arts, 235 Commerce St., West Point. Free. For more information, call 662-494-5678 or visit wpccac.com.
Saturday, Aug. 13
Comic and Toy Expo — The Golden Triangle Comic and Toy Expo at Trotter Convention Center in downtown Columbus is from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Bring the family for a day of discovery and fun. Admission $10 at the door. Follow the expo on Facebook.
Forks & Corks — This Starkville Area Arts Council fundraiser brings together chefs to compete for prizes, bragging rights and your vote at The Mill Conference Center in Starkville. Tickets for the 6:30 p.m. event are $75, or reserve tables for 8 for $600 (SAAC members), or $800 (non-members). Get them at starkvillearts.net or call 662-324-3080.
Friday, Aug. 19
Will Kimbrough in concert — The Columbus Arts Council presents performer, producer Will Kimbrough at 7:30 p.m. in the Rosenzweig Arts Center Omnova Theater, 501 Main St. Tickets $10 advance; $12 at the door, if available. Limited seating; advance tickets recommended. Purchase online at columbus-arts.org, or call 662-328-2787.
Saturday, Aug. 20
Possum Town Triathlon — Swim 600 yards, bike 17 miles and run 3.3 miles in this fifth annual triathlon that begins at 7 a.m. at Columbus Lake on Wilkins Wise Road. Visit possumtowntriathlon.com for more information and to register.
Michael Davis workshop — The Columbus Arts Council presents a watercolor workshop with noted Alabama artist Michael Davis from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Rosenzweig Arts Center in Columbus. For more information, call 662-328-2787.
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 37 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.