Award-winning comedian Kerri Pomarolli will take the stage this weekend for the First Methodist Church of Columbus’ inaugural Columbus First Women’s Event.
Roz Merchant, children’s minister and event organizer, said she hopes the event will be a “time of joy” for women in the city.
“I hope we all laugh til our cheeks are sore, and I hope it’s just a good afternoon of healing, hope and fellowship,” Merchant said.
The event will run from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at First Methodist Church of Columbus, located at 602 Main St. Pomarolli, a California-based Christian comedian, will headline the afternoon with a “clean comedy” routine suitable for all ages.
During the event, Pomarolli will also discuss her faith and will speak to the importance of cultivating relationships among women.
“I love bringing the gospel with comedy,” Pomarolli told The Dispatch. “… I hope that I can have a message that relates to Gen Z and the millennials and the boomers, and all generations, about how we need each other. Relationships with women, multi-generational, are just so important.”
Pomarolli has appeared in comedy sketches on The Tonight Show 29 times, published six faith-based books and has written two Hallmark movies which are currently in production. She was also named Comedian of the Year in 2022 by The Red Letter Awards, which promote faith-based entertainment.
The event will also feature live worship music led by Mississippi Blues Trail Artist Tony Hooper as well as a catered lunch and door prizes.
Merchant said the event is intended to be a much needed break for women in the community.
“We just wanted to bring some attention to our women who are busy all the time taking care of children (and) families and give them an afternoon where they can just laugh, have a good time, … and hopefully receive some inspiration,” Merchant said. “… There’s a lot of things for men, a lot of things for children, a lot of things for families as a whole, but oftentimes we don’t see opportunities for women to get that break and have that time together.”
Doors will open at 1:45 p.m. with music beginning at 2. Pomarolli will take the stage shortly after and will speak for about an hour.
From 3:30 to 5 p.m., attendees will break for lunch and door prizes, and worship music will continue from 5 to 6 Pomarolli will also have a book signing after the event concludes.
Pomarolli said while honored to speak at the event, she is most looking forward to the fellowship and food.
“I love southern ladies,” Pomarolli said. “They’ll probably all hug me and maybe I’ll get some fried chicken too.”
Marion McEwen, a member of the church, said she’s looking forward to an afternoon of community and laughter.
“I think it will be a good opportunity for women in the community to go to an event to have fun and see people you know and meet people you don’t know,” McEwen said. “… People go out of town a lot for special events and concerts, so when there’s one in your own hometown, you need to take advantage of it.”
The event is open to women “young and old,” Merchant said. Tickets can be purchased on the church’s website online at $30 a piece, or at a discounted rate for groups of 10 or more. Anyone with questions about the event should contact Merchant at [email protected].
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