Today through Dec. 31
“Christmas in the Park” — Take a driving tour through Guthrie Smith Park in Fayette, Alabama, to view dozens of animated and illuminated scenes. Entry is $1 per car nightly, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Rides on the mini-train are offered Thursdays through Saturdays ($1/person). The park is located near the intersection of Columbus Street and Temple Avenue North in Fayette. For more information, call 205-932-4587.
Monday, Jan. 4
Christmas Tree Bonfire — The City of Columbus holds a Christmas Tree Bonfire at 6 p.m. at the west end of the Old 82 pedestrian bridge at the Riverwalk. Visit Columbus will provide refreshments and Chinese lanterns for release. Drop trees off at the city’s Public Works Facility on MLK Drive, or at the Hitching Lot Farmers’ Market at Second Avenue and Second Street North. For more information, call 662-245-5061.
Monday and Thursday,
Jan. 4 and 7
West Point auditions — The West Pont-Clay County Arts Council holds auditions for “Dearly Departed,” a comedy dinner theater production set for Feb. 25-26. Roles are for adults, seven males and 10 females. For more information, contact Kathy Dyess, 662-494-5678.
Thursday, Jan. 7
Exhibit reception — Stop by a free reception from 5:30-7:30 p.m. opening the January gallery exhibit at the Columbus Arts Council’s Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St. For more information, contact the CAC, 662-328-2787.
Friday, Jan. 8
Eric Taylor in concert — The Columbus Arts Council presents the Texas singer/songwriter in concert in the Rosenzweig Arts Center Omnova Theater at 7:30 p.m. Taylor’s songs have been recorded by Nanci Griffith and Lyle Lovett, among others; he has been featured on programs including “Austin City Limits” and NPR’s “Morning Edition.” For tickets or information, call 662-328-2787.
Sunday, Jan. 10
Exhibit opening — The West Point-Clay County Arts Council hosts an opening at the Louise Campbell Center for the Arts, 235 Commerce St., West Point, featuring pine straw baskets, matchstick art, portrait crochet and quilts by artists Bessie Johnson, Castella Huggins and Sylvia Hayes. Free. For more information, contact Kathy Dyess, 662-494-5678.
Tuesday, Jan. 12
“Kakizome” Japanese calligraphy — In Japan, New Year’s Day is one of the biggest national holidays. Join in celebrating “Kakizome,” the first Japanese calligraphy of the New Year at this Columbus Arts Council event at 6 p.m. at the Rosenzweig Arts Center. Participants will write with Japanese ink paint brushes and learn a bit of Japanese. For more information, contact the CAC, 662-328-2787.
Wednesday, Jan. 13
Sports Talk charity fundraiser — Mississippi State’s men’s basketball head coach Ben Howland is the featured speaker at this Boys & Girls Club fundraiser at The Mill in Starkville. A silent auction opens at 6 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 (or $50 per couple; $15 for youth). For tickets or information, contact Nadia D. Colom, 662-418-7285.
Thursday, Jan. 14
“What Happened to the Freedom Riders?” — Dr. Leslie Burl-McLemore presents this free lecture at 6:30 p.m. at the Columbus Arts Council’s Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St. For more information, contact the CAC, 662-328-2787.
Saturday, Jan. 16
“To Kill a Mockingbird” — The Columbus Arts Council presents a free showing of the film “To Kill a Mockingbird” at 2 p.m. in the Rosenzweig Arts Center Omnova Theater, 501 Main St. Author Deborah Johnson will contribute commentary. Free and open to the public. For info, 662-328-2787.
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