Thursday, Nov. 8
Blue Star dedication — The public is invited to a Blue Star Memorial Highway dedication at 11 a.m. on the grounds of the Tennessee Williams Welcome Center at 300 Main St., Columbus, sponsored by Galaxy Garden Club. The Blue Star memorial marker, a tribute to the Armed Forces of the United States of America, is located in a downtown median near the Welcome Center. In case of inclement weather, the dedication will be held in the lower level of Trotter Convention Center.
Books and Authors —
Friends of the Starkville Public Library present Romana Bridges, author of “Sweet By and By” and “Standing on the Promises,” at noon in the library at 326 University Drive. For more information, call 662-323-2766.
SAAC showcase — The Starkville Area Arts Council hosts a free reception from 5-7 p.m. for its Holiday “Wonderland” Showcase of Art on display at the Greater Starkville Development Partnership, 200 E. Main St., Starkville, through Jan. 7, 2013. All work by local artists is for sale. The winning 2013 Cotton District Arts Festival poster design will be unveiled. For more information, contact the SAAC, 662-324-3080.
Nov. 8-11 and 13-17
“Six Dance Lessons” — Starkville Community Theatre’s production of the Broadway play “Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks” at the Playhouse on Main in Starkville is a touching comedy directed by MJ Etua. Performances are at 7:30 p.m., except Sunday, Nov. 11, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15; $10 for students (on sale to the public Nov. 3.) For more information or ticket reservations, contact SCT, 662-323-6855.
Friday and Saturday, Nov. 9-10
Ghosts & Legends — The Columbus Arts Council, Mississippi University for Women and Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau partner to present the return of these bus tours into Columbus’ spirited past. Buses will depart from the Tennessee Williams Home Welcome Center at 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets are $10. 300 Main St. For more information, contact the CAC, 662-328-2787.
Saturday, Nov. 10
Giant Possum Town Yard Sale — This sixth annual community-wide sale at the Hitching Lot Farmers’ Market from 7 a.m. to noon offers something for everyone. Civic groups, churches and individuals are clearing out the attics; see what they have to offer. For more information, contact Main Street Columbus, 662-328-6305.
Veterans’ Parade — A veterans’ parade with marching units, dignitaries, floats, classic cars and motorcycles begins at the Columbus Municipal Complex, 1501 Main St., at 10 a.m., and makes its way to the Lowndes County Courthouse. An 11 a.m. ceremony features Columbus Air Force Base Commander Col. Jim Sears and a fly-over in honor of all veterans. For more information about parade participation, contact Sonic Johnson, 662-434-7067.
Music Trail Celebration — A celebration of three new instruments added to the Pilot Club Music Trail in Starkville’s McKee Park starts at 10 a.m., with instrument demonstrations by Bob Damm, a puppet show and refreshments. Free to the public. For more information, contact the Pilot Club, 662-323-2294.
Sunday, Nov. 11
Organ recital — Steve Hohnstadt, organist and choirmaster at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, presents a free 3 p.m. recital of music by Bach, Mendelssohn and other composers at the church located at 318 College St. in Columbus. All are welcome. For more information, contact the church at 662-328-6673.
Symphony orchestra — The Starkville/MSU Symphony Orchestra presents “Songs from the West and South” at 3:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Starkville. Free to the public. For information, visit starkvillemsusymphony.org.
Honoring veterans — A military charity dance recital by KMG Creations honors veterans at the Starkville Sportxplex at 3:30 p.m. Free admission. Donations accepted; a portion will benefit the Greater Starkville Development Partnership Oktibbeha County replacement memorial monument project. For more information, contact GSDP, 662-323-3322.
Tuesday, Nov. 13
Soprano recital — Soprano Alisa Toy presents a senior recital with pianist Rachel Delk in Poindexter Hall on the Mississippi University for Women campus at 7:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact Dr. Cherry Dunn at [email protected].
Thursday, Nov. 15
MSU exhibit — A free reception for the Mississippi State Bachelor of Fine Arts Fine Art Thesis Exhibition is 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Colvard Student Union Gallery, McComas Hall Gallery and Visual Arts Center Gallery in Starkville. The exhibit is on display Nov. 13-17. For information, contact the MSU Department of Art, 662-325-2970.
Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 15-18
Storytelling festival — The Golden Triangle hosts its first storytelling festival. The Columbus Arts Council presents Possum Town Tales, featuring nationally-acclaimed storytellers Sheila Kay Adams, Len Cabral and Dolores Hydock at the Rosenzweig Arts Center and Joe Cook Auditorium. The weekend also includes Homegrown Stories, Children’s Story Time, a storytelling workshop, and a Sunday story luncheon for “mothers, daughters, sisters and friends.” For information, contact the CAC, 662-328-2787.
Saturday, Nov. 17
Holiday Farmers’ Market — This showcase of local art, produce, baked goods and more from 9 a.m.-noon at the Hitching Lot Farmers’ Market in Columbus comes just in time for Thanksgiving. Enjoy live music by Melvin Mordecai and children’s activities by Mississippi University for Women. For more information, contact Main Street Columbus, 662-328-6305.
Movie Under the Stars — The Columbus-Lowndes Recreation Authority, Convention and Visitors Bureau present a free screening of “The Lorax”(PG) at the Columbus Soccer Complex’s Shell Oil Fieldat 7 p.m. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Concessions available. For more information, contact the CLRA, 662-327-4935.
Sunday, Nov. 18
Columbus Choral Society — The Columbus Choral Society’s fall concert, “For Love of God and Country,” begins at 3 p.m. in Poindexter Hall on the campus of Mississipp University for Women. Alisa Toy will direct. Free to the public. For more information, contact Amy King, 662-328-2836.
Tuesday, Nov. 20
Country Store Bake Sale — This annual event benefiting the Stephen D. Lee Foundation is from 10 a.m.-noon at the S.D. Lee Home, 316 Seventh St. N. Just in time for Thanksgiving, get homemade cakes, pies, cookies, candies, cheesestraws, breads, jellies and more from the Association for the Preservation of Antiquities in Columbus. For more information, contact Rita Douglass, 662-327-3193.
Tuesday Tunes — Take a musical mid-day break with tunes by Lee Ann Merritt at the grand piano in the Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St., Columbus. Lunch by Zachary’s is available for purchase. For more information, contact the Columbus Arts Council, 662-328-2787.
Monday, Nov. 26
Starkville Christmas Parade — “The Polar Express” is the theme of this year’s 6 p.m. Starkville parade, complete with the MSU Maroon Band and floats from businesses and organizations. For more information, contact the Greater Starkville Development Partnership, 662-323-3322.
Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 28-29
Holiday Bazaar — More than 90 vendor booths with hand-crafted items are featured in Starkville’s 40th annual Holiday Bazaar at the Starkville Sportsplex, 405 Lynn Lane, from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. For more information, contact the Greater Starkville Development Partnership, 662-323-3322, or email [email protected].
Friday, Nov. 30
“Carols for Christmas” — This Columbus Arts Council presentation features Stephanie Jackson on guitar and harp guitar, with cellist Courtney Blackwell and vocalist Stephanie Stubbs in Carrier Chapel on the Mississippi University for Women campus. For more information, contact the CAC, 662-328-2787.
Saturday, Dec. 1
SAAC Gala — The Starkville Area Arts Council hosts its annual gala featuring gourmet foods, wines, silent auction and entertainment. For more information, contact the SAAC, 662-324-3080, or visit starkvillearts.org.
Sunday, Dec. 2
Author’s visit — A book signing with Jill Pascoe for her new book, “Mississippi’s Haunted Mansions,” will be from 3-6 p.m. at the Lincoln Home, 714 Third Ave. S. Several of Columbus’ historic homes are featured in the book. Refreshments will be served; Lincoln Home and Amzi Love gardens For more information, call Brenda Caradine, 662-328-5413.
Monday, Dec. 3
Columbus Christmas Parade — This festive holiday hallmark begins at 7 p.m. and incorporates the theme “Going Green: Recycle, Reuse, Renew.” For parade applications, go to columbusmainstreet.com or contact Main Street Columbus, 662-328-6305.
Thursday, Dec. 6
Festival of Trees Open House — The Columbus-Lowndes Public Library, 314 Seventh St. N., hosts an open house from 4-6 p.m. for its Victorian Christmas Festival of Trees. For more information, contact the library at 662-329-5300.
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