Aprils and Octobers are distant relatives (calendar-wise, at least), but share common traits.
First, there is the weather. It is reasonable. The summer and winter months are often erratic and oppressive. But Aprils and Octobers are pleasant, comforting and invite us to get outdoors and see what’s going on.
And there’s plenty of “goings on” in April and October.
This weekend offers three enticing options.
First up is Mississippi University for Women’s excellent Eudora Welty Writer’s Symposium, which begins tonight at 7:30 at Poindexter Hall with keynote speaker Daniel Wallace, best known for his novel, “Big Fish.”
Numerous other authors will speak on Friday and Saturday, culminating with the Welty Gala on Friday at the Trotter Center where noted journalist Jeffrey Toobin will be the speaker. For book-lovers and political junkies, this is a “can’t miss” opportunity.
If you prefer to get outdoors, there are two excellent options this weekend.
Drive around Caledonia and you know something is up. Businesses and homes are spruced up and decorated. That can only mean one thing: Caledonia Days.
The celebration, now in its 14th year, has become something of a sensation. This year, more than 150 vendors will descend on Ola J. Pickett park for the two-day event, which kicks off with a Friday night concert followed by a full day of events on Saturday.
This is a lawn-chair event. A place to catch up, to celebrate kids, family and friends. Heck, even non-Caledonians are welcomed.
Caledonia Days has the distinct charm of a small-town celebration. It’s irresistible.
We also commend a venture just across the state line to Northport, Alabama, the site of this weekend’s annual Kentuck Festival of the Arts on Saturday and Sunday.
Now, it’s 46th year, the festival has become a phenomenon that no one would expect to see in the small town next door neighbor to Tuscaloosa.
The Kentuck Festival this year will feature the work of more than 270 artists and craftsmen, who were selected from a much larger field of applicants.
If you are inspired by what you see, you can learn much from the live demonstrations by experts in everything from basket making, metal work, wood work, pottery, quilters, jewelry makers and more. It’s kid-friendly, too, with free art-making sessions for children.
The festival also features a full two-day lineup of music and spoken-word performances.
Given the options, it would be a sad thing to let a glorious October weekend go by without indulging in any of these wonderful events
Remember, October doesn’t last forever. Enjoy it while you can.
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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