Events during the first two weekends in July offer the Golden Triangle opportunities to celebrate the “Spirit of ’76,” even after Independence Day.
On Thursday, the Fourth of July, Starkville Parks and Recreation will host festivities starting at 5 p.m. at the Starkville Sportsplex, 405 Lynn Lane. Activities include inflatables, a petting zoo, vendors and musical entertainment, and conclude with a grand finale fireworks show at 9 p.m.
“This year we’ve added vendors, which has been a goal the last couple of years,” said Parks and Recreation Executive Director Gerry Logan. “We also thought the fireworks show was fantastic last year, and they are back this year; it’s coordinated to music.”
Lawn chairs or blankets to sit on are encouraged, and families are welcome to bring frisbees, soccer balls or other sports equipment to play with. Concessions will be available on site, and families are welcome to bring their favorite foods with them, Logan said — but no alcohol.
Organizers recommend leaving pets at home, due to the likelihood they will be frightened by fireworks.
Confirmed vendors as of press time include Heaven’s Jubilee petting zoo, Bin 612, Pop Porium, Gondolier Italian Restaurant, Snowie Cool Treats, Jonathan Miller homemade ice cream, Danny’s Pork Skins and Keith Kellum homemade jewelry, plus a face painting vendor.
Some area venues plan celebrations Thursday, including Muddy Waters Sports Bar, located at 71 Moores Creek in Columbus. Described as a kid-friendly event, this “July 4th Throwdown” from 7-11 p.m. features country rock band Trademark and rock and roll party band Twin Soul. Food and beverages will be available. Admission is $15 for ages 9-20 and $12 for those 21 and up. Ages 9 and under admitted free. Lawn chairs are encouraged.
July 5, 6
On Friday, July 5, a 9 p.m. fireworks display at Magnolia Motor Speedway at 495 Highway 45 South in Lowndes County highlights USCS Sprint Car Racing. Races begin at 8 p.m.
Fourth of July weekend festivities continue with the Southside Blues Festival Saturday, July 6 at Townsend Park, 826 15th St. S. in Columbus. Gates open at 11 a.m. for the free event presented by the Southside Festival Committee. Performers include Annie Caldwell and the Caldwell Sisters, Armondo Adams and Redemption, Pastor Alphonso Bowen, Sweet Angel, the PC Band, Ms. Jody and Bigg Robb.
A balloon release is scheduled for 3 p.m. For more information, contact Jeff Smith, 662-386-6923, or Gene Taylor, 662-251-3841.
The Columbus Arts Council hosts a night of country and western music Saturday at 7 p.m. by the Shane Tubbs Band in the main gallery of the Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door. An optional 6 p.m. pre-show supper requires advance $12 ticket purchase, at columbus-arts.org or 662-328-2787.
July 13
The Town of Caledonia chose Saturday, July 13 for its free Stars and Stripes Celebration at Ola J. Pickett Park. Market on Main vendors with homemade goods and produce will be at the park, along with an antique car show from 6-8 p.m. The band Win Wheel entertains between 8-10 p.m., followed by a fireworks show at 10 p.m. “We’re doing this event a little later than the Fourth in hopes more people will not be out of town and be able to attend,” said coordinator Amanda Boltwood.
Concessions will be available, in addition to a catfish dinner fundraiser for the park program. Catfish plates are $10, available by preorder only by contacting Nancy Larmour at 662-251-6262 by July 8.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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