Monday, May 9
Eighth of May Emancipation Celebration — The Voices in Harmony choir and the MSMS African-American History Class celebrate the anniversary of Emancipation in Lowndes County at Sandfield Cemetery, at College Street and MLK Jr. Blvd., Columbus, at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public.
Tuesday and Wednesday, May 10-11
“The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” — The Master’s Theatre presents this production directed by Terri Gillis in Mississippi University for Women’s Rent Auditorium May 10 at 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., and May 11 at 6:30 p.m. Morning performance admission is $5; evening performances are $7.
Thursday, May 12
Noon Tunes — Bruce Johnson and Tyler Wheat entertain from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Trotter Convention Center Courtyard, Columbus. Lunch by Zachary’s available for purchase; drinks provided by Clark Beverage. For information, contact Main Street Columbus, 662-328-6305.
Regional Business After Hours — West Point hosts a Regional Business After Hours from 5-7 p.m. at Town Creek Farms on Highway 50, West Point. Free. For more information, contact the West Point/Clay County Growth Alliance, 662-494-5121.
Friday, May 13
St. Paul’s May Luncheon — The Episcopal Church Women at Columbus’ St. Paul’s Episcopal Church present this annual spring event and bake sale. Dine-in is 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Takeout available 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Cost is $10. Place takeout orders by emailing [email protected] or call the church office, 662-328-6673.
King Cotton Crawfish Boil — Come out for crawfish and fixins ($20-$30/5-pound bucket of crawfish, corn, potatoes and one, or two, unlimited beer/beverage tickets) from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Page Avenue in Starkville’s Cotton District. Deadline to enter a cooking team is May 4. Contact the Greater Starkville Development Partnership, 662-323-3322.
Friday Night Jams —
The West Point/Clay County Arts Council hosts Friday Night Jams (live music) at the Louise Campbell Center, 235 Commerce St., West Point, at 7 p.m. For more information, contact Kathy Dyess, 662-494-5678.
Saturday, May 14
Hitching Lot Grand Opening — Columbus’ Hitching Lot Farmers’ Market holds its season grand opening from 7 a.m.-10 a.m. at Second Street and Second Avenue North, with fresh produce, crafts, Mother Goose, music by Melvin Mordecai and painting with veggies and sponges for kids. After May 14, the market is open Mondays 4-6 p.m.; Thursdays and Saturdays 7-10 a.m. Special activities on second Saturdays. For more information, contact Main Street Columbus, 662-328-6305.
Thursday, May 19
Noon Tunes — Dawn Barham entertains from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Trotter Convention Center Courtyard in downtown Columbus. Lunch by Zachary’s available for purchase; drinks provided by Clark Beverage. For information, contact Main Street Columbus, 662-328-6305.
Exhibit opening — A reception at the Mississippi State Cullis Wade Depot Gallery on campus from 5-6:30 p.m. opens an exhibit of watercolor paintings by Frances Hairston, “Prairie Images: The Way I See It.” Free and open to the public.
West Point Farmers’ Market — The West Point Farmers’ Market holds its season grand opening from 4-6:30 p.m. under the Mossy Oak Pavilion on Highway 45 Alternate. The market will operate every Thursday through summer in the same location.
Saturday, May 21
West of Shake Rag improv — The Columbus Arts Council presents the improv comedy group West of Shakerag of Tupelo in the Rosenzweig Arts Center Omnova Theatre at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance; $12 at the door. Contact the CAC for more information, 662-328-2787.
Saturday, May 28
Veterans Memorial Walk/Run — The Richard E. Holmes II Memorial Foundation hosts this fourth annual walk/run at 8 a.m. at the Columbus Soccer Complex. Celebrate heroes with activities, music, food and fellowship. Preregister by May 20 for free T-shirt, or register on-site beginning at 7 a.m. Email [email protected] or call 662-889-0180 for information.
Thursday, June 2
Exhibit opening — The Columbus Arts Council hosts a free reception opening an exhibit of paintings by Ellen Langford at the Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St. For more information, contact the CAC, 662-328-2787.
Friday, June 3
Down on the River Gala — A fundraising gala for the Loaves and Fishes Community Soup Kitchen begins at 6 p.m. at Lion Hills Center, Columbus. Food, live music by Honeyboy & Boots, a silent auction and raffle highlight the event. Tickets are $40 at Military Hardware and churches including St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, First United Methodist Church and First Baptist Church. For more information, call Ann Sparkman, 662-386-2585, or Cindy Wiygul, 662-251-0954.
Saturday, June 4
Island Paddle Fest — A canoe, kayak and paddleboard race at 9 a.m. benefits the Lowndes County Imagination Library. Must be 13 or older to participate in this 5.5-mile race course that begins and ends at the Columbus Riverwalk. Registration $40 online at islandpaddlefest.org.
Freedom Creek Festival — The 19th annual Freedom Creek Blues Festival, founded by the late Willie King, features gospel and blues from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. at Cookieman’s Place, 1438 Wilder Circle, Aliceville, Alabama. Suggested admissions donation $10. For information, go to freedomcreek.org or call 205-366-1307.
Sunday, June 5
Exhibit opening — The West Point/Clay County Arts Council hosts the opening of an exhibit by John Ward and Pat Gavin at 2 p.m. at the Louise Campbell Center for the Arts, 235 Commerce St., West Point. Free to the public. For more information, call 662-494-5678.
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