Columbus CVB Blog

We probably still have many more 90 degree days ahead of us, but this Summer is unofficially done!  Even for those of us who were born and raised in the sunny South, this has been an exceptionally hot Summer, so I'm kind of looking forward to Autumn.  But...we have at least one more weekend to get out and enjoy tons of things going on under the bright sun! We've got a quick rundown of just a few of the things going on this weekend, but there is plenty of more to check out on the Community Calendar .

If you want to take a short drive north of Columbus, put on your To-Do List a stop at Callaway Gardens  for their 12th Annual Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival (Friday-Sunday) and their Fitness Series Triathlon (Sunday).  You've got to see the Balloon Glow around Robin Lake Beach Friday night and during the weekend they'll also have tethered balloon rides, live entertainment, sand castle building contests, classic car show, kite building, and a movie on the beach.  Here's a tip...if you go after 5:00pm on Friday or between 6:00am-9:00am Saturday and Sunday, you get in for half price!  Got to love a bargain.

While you're in the neighborhood, try to swing over to Warm Springs, GA  because they're doing something they only do once or twice a year.  They're filling the pools President Roosevelt had built as a place for therapy for polio with the naturally warm spring water.  They keep the pools empty for preservation, but when they fill them and you get to go make a splash, it's really something.  Talk about relaxing...and there are certain minerals in the water that even make your hair and skin feel better.  Just remember that space is limited to 80 participants per session so make sure you make reservations for this Saturday-Monday.  Best for ages 6 & up.

It’s never too early to start thinking about stocking up on some good books to read when it gets cold outside, so check out the Annual Used Book Sale taking place Friday-Monday at Daniel Middle School.  All proceeds donated back to local organizations.

The historic 1850 Village of Westville  has a full menu of fun stuff to do this Labor Day weekend including a Family Crafts Day on Saturday.  There’s so much planned you can spend the whole day with your family trying your hand at mid-19th century skills and daily life activities.  And chances are, you’ll work up an appetite from all these hands-on activities so they’ve even planned a special menu just for this occasion.  They’ll do some of the must-haves like barbecue sandwiches, hamburgers and hotdogs, but they’ll also tempt you with homemade chicken pot-pie & cornbread, homemade apple cobbler, their famous fresh baked gingerbread and ice-cold lemonade!  Westville is located in Lumpkin, GA.

The world lost a great talent last May with the passing of Lena Horne.  She was an exceptionally talented singer and performer and stunningly beautiful.  We may no longer have the chance to see her perform, but we have the next best thing happening at The Liberty Theatre Cultural Center (813 8th Ave) with their production of “The Legendary Lady:  Lena Horne Remembered.”  This is a Broadway-style musical celebrating her career, awards, and of course some incredible songs performed by three spectacular singers including Angela Ward, who is a former Lena Horne performer.  Performances will be held on Friday (Sept 3) at 8:00pm and Saturday & Sunday at 3:00pm and 8:00pm.  (706.570.5632)

And a couple of other things to add to the list o' fun include the Old Russell County Courthouse Labor Day Fair in Seale, AL on Monday.  They'll have arts, crafts, food, live entertainment, and more...and it's FREE!  A little farther south in Omaha, GA is Florence Marina State Park and they've got lots of good family fun planned with games, crafts, and boat rides.  Admission is only $4 per person (and there is a $5 parking pass). 

So get to work making plans for this long weekend coming up!  The Community Calendar is a great tool to help you figure out just how much cool stuff you can cram into one weekend.

Now, go have some fun...

shelby

Another week almost over...and another weekend on the way!  Time to start making some plans for fun and we've got a couple of ideas here for you.  Remember, this is just a sampling of events but you can always go on the Columbus Community Calendar  to find out even more.

Here's a fun twist on movie night!  A classic movie is coming to a classic theatre Friday night (Aug 27). On a larger than life screen with state of the art digital projection and surround sound, the Springer Opera House  will show a beautifully restored edition of Gone With the Wind. The movie, which won 10 Academy Awards, celebrated its 70th birthday last year but is still a very popular movie and is considered a landmark of film because of the wonderful story it tells. The Springer showed movies back in the 1930’s after the stock market crash so this is not a first for them, but you will have future opportunities to see occasional viewings of classics in the Springer Film Series. The show starts at 7:30 but the saloon will open at 6:30. You can call and reserve tickets now or get them tonight at the box office.   Admission is $10 and the Springer  is located at 103 10th Street in Uptown Columbus.  (706.327.3688)

And speaking of the Springer--Georgia's State Theatre --they're having an event called "Sparkle the Springer."  If you love this theatre, love to help and love to clean, they could really use your help in keeping this beautiful facility all shiny and, well, sparkly!  If you'd like to help out, the cleaning gets underway this Saturday (Aug 28)  at 10:00am.  It's a great way to give back!  (706.327.3688)

Friday night (7:00pm, Aug 27), at the beautiful South Commons Softball Stadium, the visually impaired Chicago Comets Beep Ball Team will take on the Country’s  Midnight Express sponsors as part of all of the weekend festivities for the Country’s Midnight Express . But there’s a twist…the sponsors have to play blindfolded! The ball actually makes a beeping noise as it flies through the air and I believe the bases make a noise as well. The Chicago Comets are a very talented team and were the World Series Champions in 1993. This game is always so much fun to watch and the sponsors always get creamed by the Chicago Comets, which makes it even more fun. It’s a great way to spend a Friday night and it’s completely free to the public! You are welcome to make donations as all proceeds from this event and the Midnight Express stay in this community and go to help the visually impaired. 

A big event that everyone in town looks forward to every summer is the Annual Midnight Express at Country’s  on Mercury Drive. I just can’t believe that this will be the 30th year this great event has taken place. At 5:00pm on Saturday (Aug 28) the motorcycles will crank up with a charity motorcycle ride and the fun excitement will continue with live bands, PTAP’s Show & Shine Car Show, CSU and United Cheerleading demonstrations and Gold’s Gym bike-a-thon. The bands will start at 7 PM and you’ll hear local favorites Garrett Miles & Heather Hammond, Big Woody & the Splinters, and Classic Addict. Of course, the race will start at midnight, and the runners will be racing against the troops in Iraq via live simulcast. Awards will be handed out once the race is over. It’s always a fantastic event and this year will be no exception.  There's no cost to attend the event and if you'd like to be a part of the race, registration is $25.

The 5th Annual Jim Blanchard Leadership Forum  is scheduled for August 30 - 31, 2010 at the Columbus Convention & Trade Center. The theme is 'Adaptive Leadership for a Changing World' and includes a fantastic lineup of speakers. However, if you are planning on going and haven’t already reserved your seat, the event is sold out at the moment but the good news is there is a wait list. If it’s something you’re interested in attending, call right away and make sure you get on that list. On Monday evening, you’ll hear Former First Lady Laura Bush and on Monday there is a variety of wonderful speakers, including NY Times, best selling author and columnist Malcolm Gladwell and Randall Stephenson, Chairman & CEO of AT&T. It’s an exciting, information packed two days that won’t disappoint.  Check the website  for registration information or call 706.568.5101.

Here's a little something you can look forward to for next week...just to get you over that Monday hump!  Get star struck this Tuesday (Aug 31) at the Coca-Cola Space Science Center  with an Astronomy Night program. Planetarium show starts at 8:00pm and telescope viewing at 9:00pm.  Free!  (706.649.1470)

So there you have it.  Just a taste of what's going on this weekend!  Don't forget you can find out more by exploring the Columbus Community Calendar. 

Now, go have some fun...

shelby

It's never too early in the week to start thinking about fun stuff to do on the weekend, so we've got a quick rundown of just a few of the things to get out to see and do.  Don't forget to visit the Community Calendar for a complete listing of events.

Last week there was a news conference to announce all the events that will be taking place this Fall in Uptown Columbus (1000 Block of Broadway) and you won’t believe all the stuff that’s planned!  Now, I know it isn’t Fall yet, but Uptown is giving us a sneak-peek of what to expect, so throw your folding chairs back in the car and get set for some live music this Friday night! (7:30-10:30pm)  It’s called the “Taste of the Bash” and it features Band Bash favorite, The Original Soul Proprietors, and local favorite Carson Hand will be the opening act.  This show is actually the kickoff for the 2nd Annual Band Bash to he held later this weekend. (More details coming up on that event.)  Good for all ages and all musical tastes!  And it’s FREE!!!!!  (706.596.0111)   www.uptowncolumbusga.com 

OK, this party happening at the Springer Opera House (013 10th Street) is going to be huge, so much so it’s taking up an entire city block!  It’s their 2nd Annual Block Party & it’s a way to celebrate & honor their volunteers & to promote the upcoming season and we’re all invited.  Here’s a sample of what’s planned this Saturday (Aug 21) from 10:am-2:00pm:  Tours of the building (if you’ve only been to the theatre, you’ll be amazed at what else you’ll see), Silent Auction of props from Springer Productions, Ghost Stories (said to be one of the most haunted places in America!), Live Entertainment, Art Show, Tailgating & Bratwurst Competitions, Powder Puff Football, Blood Drive w/Red Cross (to highlight the production of Dracula!), a Full Monty Dance-Off, & at the end, we’ll all get to learn a dance from Disney’s High School Musical!  Bring your pooch and let him audition for the role of Toto in the upcoming production of The Wizard of Oz.  This sounds like it's going to be a lot of fun for everyone in the family!  Cost to get in to enjoy all this fun?  Nothing!  That's right...this is a FREE event.  (706.327.3688)  www.springeroperahouse.org 

Last year, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra tried something a little different for a fundraising event and the idea for a Band Bash Reunion was born…and it was a HUGE hit!  The turnout was way beyond their expectations and everybody had a blast so they’ve decided to ramp it up even more this year by featuring not just one band…but four!  Taking the stage this Saturday (Aug 21, 6:30pm) at the Columbus Convention & Trade Center will be some incredible bands doing some legendary numbers from the 1960’s & 70’s including The DNR Band (made up of local doctors!), the Shadows, The Original 10:30 Band, and The Original Soul Proprietors, who by the way, not only won the local and regional Battle of the Bands contests, but they went all the way to Nationals and won back in 1972!!  Don’t forget, this is a major fundraiser for the Columbuss Symphony.  Tickets are $50 for general admission and $65 for reserved seating.  (706.256.3647)  www.csoga.org 

Let’s face it…it’s been a pretty hot summer even for this part of the country and I can’t think of a better way to cool off than to take a dip in a pool that’s probably unlike anything you’ve ever been in before!  It’s called the Liberty Bell Pool because it’s shaped like a big bell!  It was built back in 1941 by President Roosevelt’s Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) as part of Roosevelt State Park, which by the way is the largest state park in Georgia.  But let’s talk about what makes this pool different from your ordinary backyard swimming hole…so not only is it shaped differently, it was built with huge stones on the bottom and on the sides, and…it’s fed by naturally cool springs so that means the water is COLD!!! I can remember swimming there as a kid and after a few minutes in the water, your lips almost turn blue, but does that cold water ever feel good this time of year!  Roosevelt State Park is located in Pine Mountain, GA and the pool is opened weekends thru September 6 (includes Labor Day)...Saturday and Labor Day from 11:00am-6:00pm and Sunday from 1:00pm-6:00pm.  Admission is $3.50 per person and there is a $5 parking pass per vehicle.  (706.663.4824)

And finally, there is a great upcoming season of productions planned at RiverCenter for the Performing Arts and here’s your first opportunity to purchase single tickets to all of RiverCenter’s season events.  Their Single Ticket Saturday event is this weekend (Aug 21) from 10am-3pm and it's located on Broadway in Uptown Columbus.  www.rivercenter.org

Hope this is going to be a great weekend for you.  To find out more, just visit the Community Calendar .

Now go have some fun,

shelby

We thought it would never get here, but the weekend is almost here!  If you're looking for some things to do, we've got a quick rundown of just a few of the things going on.  Remember, you can always find a complete list of events, and not just for the weekend, on the Columbus, GA Community Calendar ...so check it out.

Oxbow Meadows has a great opportunity for all the Ansel Adams wannabes out there this Sunday (August 15) with their Nature Photography Workshop. Photographer Bob Hovey will give participants an in-depth look at nature photography. Photographers of any age and experience level are welcome. You’ll learn where all the local hotspots are for capturing awesome photos and about simple editing techniques including composition, cropping, exposure, and color correction. There will be a question and answer session after Bob’s presentation. So your next vacation photos will be museum exhibit worthy…or at least worthy of putting in the family newsletter. Space is limited so you need to call and reserve your spot today.  Sign-up is only $8. All participants are welcome to bring their personal cameras.  Oxbow Meadows  is located on South Lumpkin Rd. (706.687.4090)

The Columbus Contemporaries, a membership group of the Columbus Museum  made up of young professionals, want to take you back in time on Friday night (August 13) with their Blast from the Past party. Guests are invited to enjoy a casual evening of drinks, appetizers and dancing to the great sounds of The Good Times Band. Remember, this is about taking a stroll down memory lane so attendees are welcome to come decked out in their 50’s attire and best shagging shoes but dressing up is not required. You do have to be at least 21 years of age to attend and you can buy tickets at the door. What a perfect opportunity to support this fundraiser for Museum exhibitions and educational programs while having a fantastic night out on the town!  The fun goes from 8:00pm-12:00midnight and admission is $15 for Contemporaries members and $25 for non-members.  (706.748.2562 ext. 542)

Brides-to-be, check this one out!  Over 60 local and regional vendors will be on hand at the Ultimate Bridal Expo to help make planning your big day even easier. The Expo is on Sunday, August 15 from 1:00 to 5:00 pm at the RiverMill Event Centre . Admission is $3 for brides and $5 for each guest. (706.327.9300)

You know, with all the special events and programs that went on through the summer, a lot of people may not have had time to get out and experience all of the great places that are open all the time in and around Columbus, GA. Now that vacations are winding down and kids are back in school, think about taking some time to be a tourist in your own backyard. Take a Saturday and head over to the National Civil War Naval Museum at Port Columbus for some lessons in Civil War History form a naval aspect. This is the only museum of its kind in the country and it’s sitting right here in Columbus, GA. If you haven’t been, you definitely need to visit the new National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center. Here you can explore galleries dedicated to every war in which the Infantry has fought, experience an Imax movie, and test your steady hand in the Rifle Range. You can have an out of this world experience at the Coca-Cola Space Science Center in their state of the art Omnisphere Theater or fly a mission to Mars in the Challenger Learning Center. Go back in time when you take a stroll down the tree-lined cobblestone streets of the Historic District where Historic Columbus offers guided tours of Heritage Corner. You’ll see where Dr. Pemberton concocted his french wine coca, which later became known as Coca-Cola. If you’re looking to get in shape or be more active, you have the entire 15 miles of the Chattahoochee RiverWalk available to you for cycling, walking or jogging…and the views are pretty fantastic. You could spend hours wandering around the International Marketplace, which also houses the Lunchbox Museum. There’s no telling what kind of treasure you might find here. These are just a few of the fantastic things that Columbus has to offer. If you want more information on these places and even more ideas for things to do, go to our website at www.visitcolumbusga.com. I promise, you will find something, if not many things, that you and your family will love!

There's a simple way to find out about the many things to do in our area...just visit www.visitcolumbusga.com .  You just may be surprised at what you find.

Now, go have some fun,

shelby

Hard to believe that for many students this is the last weekend before school starts back.  What happened to Summer?  Well, there's still time to get in a little more fun this weekend and here's a list of just a few of the events happening in and around Columbus, GA.  Don't forget--you can find out more about these happenings and others by checking out the Community Calendar .

You have a chance this Saturday (Aug 7) to tour the home and grounds of one of the most unique individuals to walk this earth…and maybe other worlds!  The home is called Pasaquan and the former resident was an artist named Eddie Owens Martin, who dubbed himself St. EOM, & this guy was truly a character!  He grew up poorer than poor in southwest GA, left home at 14, traveling through Georgia and Florida, then made his way to New York City where his true abilities as an artist came shining through…even in Greenwich Village he was considered one of the more flamboyant artists!  He got very sick & started having visions of tall, ghostly figures from a land called Pasaquan and they instructed him to carry out their vision of a place of peace and beauty and this is how his extraordinary home, painted in a fashion you have to see to believe, came about. You won't see anything else like it...anywhere.  You'll find out more about this peculiar folk artist when you take the tour...I can't believe his life story hasn't been made into a movie yet.  This is a guy that would boil a big pot of rice only to trash the rice but use the starchy water to put in his hair so he could get it to stand up straight!  See what I mean?  Pasaquan is located in Buena Vista, GA (238 Eddie Martin Rd) and the tour is taking place from 10:00am-4:00pm and admission is only $5.  (229.649.7513)  pasaquan.com 

If you’re in the mood for a little live music this weekend…live music that’s outdoors under the stars and…won’t cost you a dime…then here’s what you may be looking for!  There's a concert taking place this Saturday night at 7:00pm (Aug 7) at Wetherby Field at Ft. Benning and this is for everyone, not just folks that live on post.  The band being featured is one from the area called “706” and they are a rock/alternative band.  I haven’t heard these guys, but they are being featured because of audience request, so they obviously have a strong following and should put on a good show!  There are some seats at the field but you may want to take a beach towel or chair and find a good spot in the grass…just take some bug spray with you.  To get to Wetherby Field, just take the Custer Rd. exit off Victory Drive…and you don’t even have to go thru any gates to get on post.  Remember, this one's FREE!  (706.545.3328)

If you’ve got kids and are looking for something fun for them to do on this last weekend before school starts back…they may enjoy this!  There’s a really cool art gallery in Smiths Station called the Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art and if you haven’t checked it out yet, you really should stop in and take a look.  They’re kicking off a series of workshops for kids and young adults that will take place each Saturday (10:00am-12:00pm) in August and each one will have a different theme…like this Saturday is called “A Study in Cubism” where you get to create your own cubist masterpiece from the inspirations of works by Da Vinci, Rembrandt and Van Gogh, by using pencils, markers, glue, paper and acrylics.  Participants don’t have to artists, just bring an imagination!  Cost of the class is $40 or $150 if you take all four sessions. The gallery is located at 2750 Lee Road, Suite A in Smiths Station, AL.  (706) 480.2008   thesarahwestgalleryoffineart.com 

Have you had enough of working under fluorescent lights this week and need a dose of real sunshine and some fresh air?  Then you might want to check out the hike going on with the Pine Mountain Trail Association this Saturday (Aug 7).  This is a moderate 3-mile hike and hikers of all ages are welcome and you don’t even have to be a member of the association or pre-register.  Just make sure you take water and snack/lunch and wear some good hiking shoes!  A little history about the trail:  It’s  a 23-mile footpath with a main trail and connecting loops, that crosses and follows the beautiful Pine Mountain ridge.  It lies inside Roosevelt State Park near Callaway Gardens and it’s nature at its best…quiet woods, sparkling streams, misty waterfalls, rock outcroppings, scenic overlooks, and you might even see deer and turkey!  Meet at the Fox Den Cove parking lot on GA HWY 19 in Pine Mountain, GA by 10:00am.  There's no cost to join in on the hike.  (706.596.0497)   pinemountaintrail.org

If you need something to look forward to on Monday night, the crew of the Coca-Cola Space Science Center is having an Astronomy Night at Callaway Gardens.  Do a little star watching with your own telescope or take a peek at the heavens through one of their powerful telescopes they’ll have set up.  It’s kind of cool to have the experts on hand to tell you exactly what you’re looking at!  9:00pm, Monday (Aug.9)  FREE!   706.649.1470   ccssc.org 

Enjoy this last weekend of "freedom," but remember there's still more Summer fun to come!

Now, go have some fun,

shelby

We've got all sorts of summer fun happening this weekend in Columbus, GA.  To make planning your free time a little easier, here's a list of just a few of the things going on.  Don't forget to check the Community Calendar  for lots more ideas on fun stuff to do.

Everybody loves going to the movie, but here’s a way to put a spin on it!  Callaway Gardens  is doing one of their "Movie on the Beach" events this Friday night and they’ll be showing…get the tissue ready…Blind Side,  which is the award-winning story that depicts the life of a homeless youngster from a broken home, taken in by a family who help him fulfill his potential. They’re putting up a big 35-foot wide screen and even surround sound!  All you have to do is bring your beach towel or chair and plop down in the sand at Robin Lake Beach to watch the movie under the stars!  And if you want to head up a little earlier, the FSU Flying High Circus will be putting on a special show at 8:00pm.  The movie is rated PG-13 and should crank up as soon as it gets dark, about 9:15pm.  Admission after 6:00pm is $9 for adults and $4.50 for ages 6-12, ages 5 and under get in free.  (800.CALLAWAY)

If you’re still living in the world where you think comic books are just for kids, wait until you see what they have in store for you at the Columbus Comic Book Show this Sunday (Aug 1) at the Coca-Cola Space Science Center  (701 Front Ave)!  The business of comic books is huge…not long ago I remember reading where the 1938 edition of Action Comics that featured Superman’s debut sold at auction for $1.5 million!  In 1938, it cost 10 cents!  The lobby of the Space Science Center will be packed with vendors selling comics, toys, action figures, games and more…plus there will be characters in costume, all sorts of exhibits, and movies in the Omnisphere Theatre.  Make sure you try out some of the flight simulators and see what it’s like to fly a fighter jet or land the space shuttle.  I try these every time I go there and still manage to crash and burn each time!!  All the action takes place from 11:00am-4:00pm and admission is only $4.  (706.649.1477)

Here’s another way to venture out to the great outdoors for some fun with the kids at Family Day at Butts Mill Farm  in Pine Mountain, GA.  If you’ve never been to Butts Mill Farm, you’re in for a treat because it’s a really unique and fun family park. It’s an 80 acre restored farm in a historic grist mill setting that’s been in existence since the 1830’s but you won’t believe all the stuff you’ll find there…of course there are things like a petting zoo, pony rides, trail rides on horseback, a fishing pond, but there are a few things you probably wouldn’t have seen back in the 1830’s like a go-cart track, a miniature golf course, volleyball and horseshoe courts, and even an inner tube float!  You can plan on it taking at the very least 3-4 hours to see and do everything, so make a day of it!  This is a great day to go and take advantage of the special admission...it's only $10 per person or $35 for the whole family!  (706.653.7400)

It’s no secret that there are tons of talented artists who live in this area and we have a chance to see the evidence at the 51st Annual Columbus Artist Guild  Member Exhibit going on now thru Aug 7.  In fact, this is the only time all year you have a chance to see all of the member’s best work on display and you can expect to see about 100 pieces.  This is also a good chance to take a peek inside CSU’s Illges Galler, which is in the Corn Center for the Performing Arts on the Riverfront Campus of the university (at Dillingham Street and Front Avenue).  It’s a beautiful facility and a great place to showcase all this talent…plus they keep it really cool for all the art!  Most of the works, and there’s lots of different mediums, will be for sale and they will also be up for several awards.  Admission is free.  (706..327.1344)

You can go to play or just to soak up some sun and watch the fun of Co-Ed Sand Volleyball  in Lakebottom Park (south end of the park) Sunday beginning at 1:00pm.  Might want to take some water along with you!  (706.393.8181)

And don’t forget to grab your shopping bag and head to Market Days on Broadway  this Saturday from 9:00am-12:00noon.  They always have a great selection of fresh produce and flowers, fresh baked goods, art and all sorts of handcrafted items.  Make sure you look for my buddy and co-worker Sid who sells homemade boiled peanuts, but get there early because he always sells out!  1000 block of Broadway  (706.596.0111) 

That's enough to get you started thinking about some weekend plans, just remember to hook up with the Community Calendar  to find out even more.

Now, go have some fun!

shelby

Yeah, it's hot, but never too hot to get out and have a little weekend fun!  We've compiled a quick list of just a few of the things going on this weekend in and around Columbus, GA.  Don't forget to visit the Community Calendar  to get a full listing of all the events taking place.

It may not officially be the dog-days of Summer, but that’s what they’re calling it over at The Rock Ranch!  If you aren’t familiar with The Rock Ranch, it’s a 1250-acre working cattle farm owned by Chik-Fil-A founder Truett Cathy and it’s sole purpose is to unite families with the land and each other…and having lots of fun doing it!  Here’s some of the stuff they’ll have going on Saturday (July 24  10:00am-5:00pm) during the Dog Day of Summer:  World Championship Frisbee Dog Team-Georgia Irish Disc Dogs, pet parade and doggy costume contest facilitated by Dolly Goodpuppy, train rides, pony rides, paddle boats, giant jumping pillow, petting zoo, hay rides, slide hill, a cow milking station and more.  Take a picnic with you or enjoy some of their concessions...including a spot where you can build your own sno-cone from 30 different flavors! You can even bring your dog, just make sure to keep him on a leash.  The Rock Ranch is located in The Rock, GA...yes, there's really a town called The Rock and it's located near Thomaston.  Admission is only $8 per person and ages 3 & under get in free.  (706.647.6374)  www.therockranch.com 

So if it’s just too hot for you to get outside and do anything or if have a long weekend coming up at the beach or by the pool, you may want to stock up on some good reading material and here’s the perfect spot to do just that!  It’s the Muscogee County Friends of Libraries Biannual Book Sale at the Columbus Public Library (3000 Macon Road).  They’ll have just about anything you can imagine…children’s books, non-fiction, fiction, biographies…something for everyone.  And not only will you have a great selection of books at killer prices, you’re also helping the Friends of Libraries with their programs, author events, volunteer activities and lots more.  It's going on Saturday from 10:00am-5:00pm and Sunday from 2:00-4:00pm and there's no admission.  (706.243.2674)  http://thecolumbuslibrary.org 

We’ve talked before about some of the cool concerts and jazz jams the Columbus Jazz Society does the 2nd Sunday of each month.  Even though this isn’t the 2nd Sunday, they’ve got a special event happening at the Liberty Theatre (813 8th Ave) Saturday night (7:00pm) called “An Evening with Kathy Roberts.”  This is actually a fund-raiser to help the Jazz Society bring in all the top-notch acts to Columbus.  I haven’t seen Ms. Roberts perform but just mentioning her name to a couple of folks…they got all excited & said she is an incredible talent and puts on an unbelievable show.  She’s originally from Philadelphia & has a background in drama, voice and dance, which when you bundle all that talent together, you know you’re in for an entertaining show!  Just ask a guy she used to perform with…Stevie Wonder!!!  Admission is $20 but don't forget this is a fundraiser!  (706.687.9148)  columbusjazzsociety.com 

Don’t forget—the last couple of performances of the Springer’s production of “Madeline and the Gypsies” take place this weekend! (Friday at 7:00pm and Saturday at 2:00pm and 7:00pm) If you have kids in the house, they’ll love this. Madeline is one of 12 little girls that live in a house in Paris and she’s the most mischievous of the girls and when they take a trip to the carnival, she and her friend, Pepito, get lost and end up being carried away by gypsies and they become part of the traveling circus! This production of Madeline and the Gypsies is a musical full of songs, dancing, circus acts and sweet silliness. This is the perfect way to spend a hot summer night or afternoon with your family…inside a cool, air-conditioned theatre.  Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students.  (706.327.3688)  www.springeroperahouse.org 

And there's great music down by the river this Saturday night at the Phenix City Amphitheatre as they welcome Chuck Negron, former lead singer of Three Dog Night.  Remember "Jeremiah was a Bullfrog," "One is the Loneliest Number," and "Just an Old Fashioned Love Song?"  He'll be doing all these hits and lots more!  Lawn chairs and blanket are allowed, but coolers are not.  Admission is $10, ages 10 & under get in free.  (334.291.4719)

Just dress cool and drink lots of water when you're out and about this weekend! 

Now, go have some fun...

shelby