Wednesday, June 26
Table Talk — Table Talk’s June series on “Good Food” concludes with fermentation experts Nancy Woodruff and Marion Sansing of Starkville discussing traditional foods and Sally Fallon’s intriguing book, “Nourishing Traditions.” Bring lunch at 11:30 a.m. and socialize; iced tea is provided. The free program begins at noon at the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library, 314 Seventh St. N.
Thursday, June 27
An evening with Leslie Frazier — Minnesota Vikings Head Coach and Columbus native Leslie Frazier delivers the keynote address at a buffet dinner at Trotter Convention Center, Columbus. The 7- 8:30 p.m. event includes a silent auction and jazz. General admission tickets are $50 (tables for 8, $350). VIP tickets are $75 (tables for 8, $600). Casual attire. Proceeds benefit the annual Columbus Senior Citizens Thanksgiving Luncheon hosted by Mayor Robert Smith. For more information, contact Roger Short, Columbus-Lowndes Recreation Authority, 662-327-4935.
Saturday, June 29
Farmers’ markets — In addition to fresh produce, baked goods and local artisans, visitors to Columbus’ Hitching Lot Farmers’ Market, open 7-10 a.m., can hear a talk by licensed acupuncturist Clare Mallory. For information, contact Main Street Columbus, 662-328-6305. At Starkville Community Market, open 7:30-10:30 a.m., Chef Paul Brasfield of Bin 612 goes Italian in a cooking demo. For information, go to visit.starkville.org/market.
Thursday, July 4
Fireworks on the Water — The Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau, Columbus Air Force Base and other sponsors present this extravaganza at the East Bank of the John C. Stennis Lock and Dam in Columbus. Children’s activities begin at 4 p.m. Entertainment starts at 6:30 p.m. with bluesman Grady Champion, followed by the Starkville-MSU Symphony Orchestra. Fireworks synchronized to music begin at dark. Food and drink vendors will be on site. For more information, contact the CVB, 800-920-3533.
Plantation Pointe fireworks — Plantation Pointe Retirement Community hosts a fireworks display at dark on its grounds just east of Highway 82 East, between Highway 50 and Lehmberg Road in Columbus, weather permitting. Lawn chairs, coolers and soft drinks are welcome; no glass containers. For more information, contact Jan McCafferty, 662-241-0001.
Starkville fireworks — Starkville Parks and Recreation hosts children’s activities beginning at 4 p.m., followed by a fireworks show after dark at 405 Lynn Lane. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. For more information, call Starkville Parks and Recreation, 662-323-2294.
Thursday, July 11
Gallery reception — Come as you are to a free 5:30-7 p.m. reception opening an exhibit by well-known nature watercolorist Robin Whitfield of Grenada at the Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St., Columbus. In Artist Alley, inside the gallery, check out animal-inspired art for sale to benefit the Columbus-Lowndes Humane Society and CAC. For more information, contact the arts council, 662-328-2787. (See July 13 for workshops.)
Sounds of Summer — Swing Shift entertains at this free outdoor concert presented by Main Street Columbus and The LINK at the Columbus Riverwalk, from 7-9 p.m. Bring lawn chairs and blankets; no personal coolers, please. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. For more information, contact Main Street Columbus, 662-328-6305.
Saturday, July 13
Watercolor workshops — Nature watercolorist Robin Whitfield of Grenada teaches two workshops, beginner (all ages; 9 a.m.-noon, $10) and advanced (12 and up; 1-4 p.m., $40) at the Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St., Columbus. Each workshop will include outdoor sessions. For more information about registration and supplies, contact the Columbus Arts Council, 662-328-2787.
Thursday and Saturday,
July 18 and July 20
Library book sale — The Columbus-Lowndes Public Library at 314 Seventh St. N. hosts a book sale July 18 from 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., and July 20 from 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. For more information, contact the library, 662-329-5300.
Thursdays through Saturdays, July 18-20 and 25-27
SCT Musical Revue — Starkville Community Theatre presents “Voices in the Night,” an entertaining summer musical revue directed by M.J. Etua and Brian Hawkins. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. at the Playhouse on Main, 108 E. Main St., Starkville. Tickets are $25. To reserve tickets, contact the SCT box office, 662-323-6855.
Saturday, July 20
Pierce Pettis in concert — Acclaimed singer/songwriter Pierce Pettis of Alabama has had his songs recorded by artists including Joan Baez, Art Garfunkel, Garth Brooks and Dar Williams. The Columbus Arts Council presents this special evening with Pettis at 7 p.m. in the Rosenzweig Arts Center’s Omnova Theater, 501 Main St. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door, if available. Contact the CAC, 662-328-2787.
Tuesday through Saturday, July 23-27
Summertime Blues — The focus is on blues education and entertainment when the Columbus Arts Council presents a July 23 seminar with MPB “Highway 61” radio show host Scott Barretta, 7 p.m.; a July 26 concert by Cadillac John Nolden and Bill Abel, 7 p.m. ($10 advance, $12 at door); and a July 27 Diddley Bow Building Workshop with Abel, 10 a.m. ($10; register by July 23). All events are at the Rosenzweig Arts Center. For information, contact the CAC, 662-328-2787.
Thursday, July 25
Sounds of Summer — This outdoor summer concert series at the Columbus Riverwalk concludes with Deacon Jones and the Late Night, from 7-9 p.m. Bring lawn chairs and blankets; food and beverages will be available for purchase. For information, contact Main Street Columbus, 662-328-6305.
Friday, July 26
Masquerade ball — The Columbus Police Department hosts this fundraiser from 7 p.m.-midnight at Trotter Convention Center. Tickets are $20; limited VIP tables for 8 start at $185. Proceeds benefit National Night Out on Crime and the Columbus Police Toy Drive. Get tickets at the Police Department, 1501 Main St., 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday. For more information, contact Rhonda Sanders, 662-251-7355.
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