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Let the Weekend Begin in Columbus, GA!
Not that I'm counting the hours or anything, but there's so much good stuff going on this weekend that it's time to get this thing started. It would take up too much space here to try and give you the rundown on everything going on, so you may want to check out the Community Calendar to get a better look.
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect Spring festival, well, this is your weekend! It’s “The Cotton Pickin’ Fair” just up the road a bit in Gay, GA all day Saturday and Sunday. Tons and tons of vendors with anything from pottery, jewelry, antiques, loads of entertainment, and the reason most of us go...the FOOD. Here's a tip, skip dinner the night before and breakfast the day of so you can eat all the good stuff you want and you won't feel guilty!
There aren’t many places in this world where you can get something for free, but that’s exactly what’s going on this Saturday at the Coca-Cola Space Science Center with their Free Comic Book Day! Not only will you get a free comic book, but they’ve got a day full of fun stuff lined up like a costume contest, quick draw contest, you get to do some gazing at the sun (without damaging your eyes!), door prizes, you can shop for new comic books to add to your collection, and what sounds to me like the absolute coolest activity of the day……Reading with a Super Hero!!!
The Columbus Lions are playing some great arena football this season and it looks like an intense game shaping up at the Civic Center this Sunday at 4:00pm as they take on in-state rivals the Albany Panthers!
Headed back north a bit, chances are you’ll be passing through Warm Springs on your way to the Cotton Pickin’ Fair, so tack on some extra time to stop in and join the celebration at the Little White House! It was in May of 1932 that Franklin Roosevelt celebrated the completion of his cottage with a housewarming. Fast-forward 80 years and check out this reenactment of that celebrationthis Saturday! There will be an actor on hand portraying Pres. Roosevelt, as well as live music from the 30s and 40s, lemonade and cookies, even down to the smallest detail of being able to join in on an old-fashioned game of croquet on the lawn!
It’s no secret that I am obsessed with the Springer Opera House’s annual production of “A Tuna Christmas.” I don’t think I’ve missed a year yet, so when I heard about this brand new production this season, I did the proverbial Happy Dance! How just two actors…in this case Paul Pierce and Ron Anderson…can bring so much personality to so many characters is beyond me. Well, now we get to see the rest of the story and find out what’s been happening in the third smallest town in Texas. In case you haven’t heard, Bertha and that no-good husband of hers, Arles are headed to Las Vegas to renew their wedding vows & it turns out the whole town of Tuna tags along with them! They meet some new friends along the way…a mind-reading mystic named Anna Conda, a mafia thug, and a couple of Elvis impersonators. They actually come home wiser, happier & richer! I've got to see this...
That should get you started trying to figure out what you want to put on your weekend to-do list. Don't forget to breeze through the Community Calendar to find out more.
Now, go have some fun...
shelby
Categories: Arts, Events, History, Good Eats!, Shopping, on Friday, May 4, 2012
Get your Play Clothes on because it’s Weekend Time in Columbus, GA!
Just checked the weekend forecast and I'm certainly no meteorologist, but even I can tell this looks like a perfect weekend to get out and have some Springtime fun! And just in case you're wondering if there is anything going on, boy did you come to the right place. I was taking a look at the Community Calendar and there is no shortage of things to get into this weekend. Here are just a couple of things you might want to add to your "To Do" list!
If you love barbeque, great music, games and good times down by the river, you’re going to love this! It’s the “Uptown Bash on the Banks” and it all happening tonight and all day tomorrow on Bay Avenue along the RiverWalk. Everything kicks off Friday night at 6:00pm with the 5th Annual Char-Broil Pig Bowl People’s Choice Awards—that means you get to sample some FINE bbq, wine tasting, music from Mudcat—a great blues band out of Atlanta and a Corn Hole tournament. Then on Saturday, the day kicks off with the Big Cat Quest Fishing Tournament, there’s the Columbus Police Department Car Show, the Kansas City Barbeque Society sanctioned cook-off—hosting many of the top professional BBQ cooing teams in the southeast!—kayak demonstrations, more live music and tons more! It's all taking place on Bay Avenue in Uptown Columbus and admission is free.
It doesn’t get any ‘cooler’ than this! Disney on Ice is bringing a spectacular show to the Civic Center called Mickey & Minnie’s Magical Journey. This is another great way to kick off the weekend, but it runs through Sunday, so hopefully you can pile up the kids in the car and catch this show before the weekend is over. Looks like all the cool folks will be there—besides Minnie & Mickey, there’s also Ariel and Sebastian from the Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Peter Pan & Tinkerbell, and Lilo & Stitch. Lots of great music, costumes, neat stories and of course, some incredible skating! Admission ranges from $15-$40.
Don't forget Market Days is going on Saturday from 9:00am-12:00pm and you’ll find all sorts of locally grown fruits, veggies and flowers as well as art and handcrafted items! Look for it in the 1000 and 1100 blocks of Broadway in Uptown Columbus.
Looks like a really full day of fun just south of Columbus in Lumpkin, GA with their Spring Celebration! They are packing tons of stuff in on Saturday including arts & crafts, carnival rides like the inflatable slide, the whirly bird, the merry to round, the striker; and a balloon & dart game, not to mention raffles, lots of live entertainment, and there will even be a street dance that night! Back to the music, they are planning on having gospel, country, R&B, and jazz…in fact the Army Jazz Band will be performing in the afternoon and Lou Vallee & Suzanne Swan from the Columbus Jazz Society will also be taking the stage! This is a fundraiser for Lumpkin’s Downtown Development Authority. Believe it or not, admission to all of this is free, but donations are welcome!
With a name like “Spring Chicken Fling,” this has got to be good! This is an annual event put on by Northside High School’s Band. Saturday from 11:00am-3:00pm, they’ll have the Band Shell at Lakebottom Park set up with lots of great live music from bands like The Bob Barr Band, several of the bands from Northside and even schools like Blackmon Road, Midland and Double Churches. They'll entertain us while we pig out on lunch provided by Huckleberry’s BBQ and it’s a great deal! For just $8 bucks you get ½ a chicken, baked beans, potato salad and Texas toast.
I'm hungry just thinking about all the barbeque being cooked up for us this weekend!
And finally, if you’ve ever been curious about what loft living would be like, here’s your chance! Check out the 2nd Annual Uptown Loft Tour this Saturday from 10:00am-5:00pm and get a peek inside these really unique places to call home. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased the day of the tour at Eagle & Phenix Mill or Eleventh Street Lofts. Proceeds benefit UpTown Columbus.
Rest up so you'll be ready for this full weekend...there's something for everyone going on!
Now, go have some fun...
shelby
Categories: Arts, Events, History, Good Eats!, River Fun, Shopping, on Thursday, April 26, 2012
The Weekend is about to get underway in Columbus, GA!
Check the clock on the wall...we aren't that far from the beginning of the weekend, so hang in there because there is plenty to get out and do this weekend. I've got a few ideas for you here, but I'd also suggest checking out the Community Calendar to get a real taste of what's happening.
A great way to kick off this weekend is with the Uptown Friday Night Concert at 7:00pm, so throw your lawn chair in the car and head to the 1000 block of Broadway for a night of great music with Lava Lamp doing some serious throwbacks with cover songs from the 70's…and it’s absolutely free!
Looks like MidTown and UpTown are the places to be this weekend! First up, lace up your running shoes and do your stretching routine to get ready for the 6th Annual MidTown Classic 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run that kicks off Saturday morning at 8:00am. MidTown Columbus is one of the prettiest parts of town so I can’t think of a better place to take a run or a walk…or a bike ride, but more on that in a bit! Not only is this event going to be fun—all runners get to enjoy live music, food and door prizes after the race—but they are doing this for a good cause--raising money for the Wynnton Neighborhood Network, a non-profit organization that provides food and other necessities to families in Midtown Columbus; and Wynnton Neighborhood Housing. It's $10 to join in the Fun Run and $25 for the 5K.
So if running isn’t your thing, how about filling up the air in your bike tires and set off for the MidTown Historic Bike Around on Sunday afternoon? You don’t even have to be a serious cyclist to enjoy this ride…it’s a 4.6-mile, family-friendly ride that will take you by nine historic stops and there will even be an energizing station just in case you need a breather! Everybody who rides gets a cycling bag and all sorts of goodies. So what if you want to join in but don’t have a bike or helmet? They’ve got you covered there too…you can rent a bike from Ride on Bikes for only $10 and they will also have helmets available. There’s just something about being on a bicycle that gives you a whole different perspective than zipping by in a car. You’ll see great sites and even learn something along the way! If you bring your own bike and helmet, there's no cost to join in.
Now that you’ve walked, ran and biked all through MidTown Columbus, it’s time to kick back and relax with another free event...Party on the Lawn at the Historic Wynnton Arts Academy. Even if you didn’t do any walking, running or biking, everybody is still invited to the party this Sunday beginning at 3:00pm. It’s a great way to get a taste of MidTown Columbus…it’s where I happen to call home and I love it…and they’ll have all sorts of activities, food, fun and live music from the Ft. Benning Jazz Combo and the Genesis Gospel Choir from CSU. This is also a great event for kids. So come prepared to dance or chill out in your lawn chair—a great way to wind down the weekend!
Now if the title of this one doesn’t intrigue you, I don’t know what will! It’s the Wild & Scenic Outdoor Film Festival AND World-Record Picnic Attempt at Oxbow Meadows this Sunday! It’s the 42nd anniversary of Earth Day, so the Chattahoochee RiverWarden, Oxbow Meadows and the Columbus Film Society all got together to bring this film series to Columbus. The film series is incredible enough, but they wanted to make this event even more special, so they are urging everyone to bring a picnic dinner with you to enjoy as you watch the movie under the stars and everyone who does, will be counted as part of this world record picnic attempt that stretches from Columbus, GA to Melbourne, Australia!! All the proceeds will be used for the development of a water quality education program at Oxbow. Admission is only $5 for adults and $2 for students.
And finally, If music is good for the soul, then here’s an event you need to check out! The Columbus Symphony Orchestra presents a performance called “And now the Concerto…” this Saturday at 7:30pm at RiverCenter. Tickets range from $5 to $38.
Now, go have some fun...
shelby
Categories: Arts, Events, History, Good Eats!, on Friday, April 20, 2012
Easter Weekend Fun Hops into Columbus, GA!
The Easter Weekend is upon us it's chocked full of fun things to do with the family! Here's a sampling of some of the events going on, but to get the full view of all that's happening, head to the Community Calendar for tons of ideas.
OK, maybe this one isn't really Easter-related, but I can't think of a better way to kick off a weekend! It’s quickly becoming one of the best music festivals in the state and that’s because it features all sorts of national recording acts and hometown favorites! It’s the 5th Annual Frogtown Hollow Jam happening this Friday night and just about all day Saturday at Woodruff Park in Uptown Columbus (Bay Ave). If you love amazing music, you are going to be all over this because it’s wall to wall amazing acts including Whiskey Bent, Natalie Stovall and John Popper of Blues Traveler. And you can’t have a real festival without festival food so go hungry and pig out on BBQ, funnel cakes, ice cream, fresh squeezed lemonade and lots more. Since this is a family event, they even have lots for kids to enjoy like inflatables, facepainting, stilt walkers & a puppet band! Admission is $20 a day or you can get a 2-day pass for $30.
More good news and fun stuff coming out of Uptown Columbus as Market Days on Broadway kicks off this Saturday! Believe ir or not, this kicks off the 6th year of Market Days and a lot of folks make this a part of their routine every Saturday (9am-12noon) because you never know what you’re going to see as it’s a little different each time. What you can count on each week is loads of local farmers who sell locally grown fruits, vegetables and flowers & plants and other vendors who have all sorts of handmade treasures for sale like art, photography, jewelry, fresh baked goods (if the lady is there with the cinnamon rolls, you have to one)…all kinds of cool stuff. And something new this year, they’ll have a different activity going on…anything from Oxbow Meadows’ Creature Feature, to musicians, to PAWS Humane. This Saturday, there’ll be live bluegrass music by The Justice Family. Free admission...you just can't beat that!
If you’re ready to put out some plants for Spring, you might also want to check out Oxbow Meadows’ Native Plant Sale this Sunday cranking up at 2:00pm. It makes a lot of sense to buy plants that are native to this area, so you know there’s a good chance they’ll be happy and thrive! Free admission.
Alright, now we'll get into some of the 'egg-citing' (come on, you know it had to be said) Easter activities happening in the area.
Heading back to Uptown Columbus, this Saturday morning there will be an Easter Egg Hunt starting at 10:30am in the green space on the side of the RiverCenter at 10th Street and Broadway. They'll have the hunt divided into two age groups and they do suggest you get there a little before 10:30 so your kids won't miss any of the fun. No admission for this one.
If you want to take your Easter celebration on the road, here are a couple of ideas: Up at Callaway Gardens in the Overlook Azalea Garden, the Easter Bunny assistants have divided this Saturday afternoon hunt for all different age categories…starting off with toddlers and even giving parents and seniors a chance to look for eggs later in the afternoon! How cool is that?! Be on the lookout for the Easter Bunny—he could be anywhere in the Gardens, so have your camera ready!
Then on Easter Sunday, Roosevelt’s Little White House will be hosting an authentic “Easter Egg Roll” similar to that held on the lawn of the White House in Washington! Kids will push an egg through the grass with a long-handled spoon and they’ll divide everything into 3 age groups to keep things fair! Bring your Easter baskets! This all kicks off Sunday (Apr. 8) at 1:00pm and admission ranges from $8-$12 and does include admission to the museum, the Little White House and the pool comlex, so you can really make a day out of this.
And how much fun does this sound? If you’ve hidden and hunted all the eggs you can, why not hang out with the Easter Bunny, have brunch with him and even take a ride on the SAM Shortline Train! Talk about making some memories. You'll need to meet the train at the Georgia Veterans State Park this Saturday at 11:00am (near Cordele on US Hwy 280). It's a bit more of a drive, but it sure sounds worth it! All tickets to ride the train and have brunch are $22.50.
Categories: Arts, Events, History, Good Eats!, River Fun, Shopping, on Thursday, April 5, 2012
Spring Fever Weekend in Columbus, GA!
OK, maybe I'm rushing it a bit…Spring doesn't officially start for a few more days, but this warm weather and sunshine have me in the mood to get out and have some fun! Who cares if the air is full of pollen…that's what they make allergy medicine for…it's just too pretty to sit at home and do nothing! So here's a few suggestions of things you might want to do this weekend. It's shaping up to be a full one, so you may want to head to the Community Calendar to get a complete listing of happenings or to get more scoop on the events listed here.
No doubt you're going to see and hear things buzzing overhead this weekend, but don't be alarmed…it's all part of the Thunder in the Valley Airshow at the Columbus Airport this Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am-5:00pm each day. If you've been before, you know how awesome this is…if this will be your first time there, prepare to be amazed! There will be aerobatics, vintage war birds, US Army Infantry vehicles, airplane and helicopter rides, a kid's carnival, tons of great food…and if it flies or has ever flown, chances are it will be on display or in the air. Admission is only $10 for adults, $8 for military and free for Scouts in uniform and also for ages 6 and under.
Art lovers—check this one out! The second annual Let There Be Art! at the Columbus Museum once again celebrates the brightest and most talented artists from the East Coast, across the South, and stretching across to Europe in a tremendous show and sale. We truly feel fortunate to have such a magnificent display of paintings, pottery, and porcelain in one venue—our own Columbus Museum! To learn more about the featured artists and view the fabulous art that will be on display, visit columbusmuseum.com/lettherebeart.
Speaking of things that the artistic ones among us will enjoy, here are a couple of things you might like to explore. First up, the Joseph House and Columbus Artist Guild will have artists painting outside as part of the Plein Air Painting of Uptown 2012. The paintings that are finished will be exhibited at the Joseph House Art Gallery from April 1, 2012 through April 27, 2012. These paintings will be watercolor, acrylic, and oils done by local artists. You can catch these artists at work between Saturday and next Friday (Mar 17-23)
This sounds pretty cool—The first public exhibit of Octogenarian and master cross stitcher, Jinny Reed, shows a lifetime of work, to benefit the Sally DeMuth Scholarship Fund, in memory of her daughter Sally. This event is open to the public and admission is free. The Sally DeMuth Scholarship fund was established In May 2011, to honor beloved educator, librarian and teacher Sally Reed DeMuth, who lost a valiant 5 year battle with ovarian cancer on March 17th, 2011. The event takes place at Vintage 222, located at 222 7th Street this Saturday (Mar 17) from 4:00 - 8:00pm.
And what sort of red-headed, green-eyed Irish girl would I be if we didn't mention a couple of things going on in honor of St. Patrick's Day? Let's start off Saturday with a little history at the National Civil War Naval Museum at Port Columbus and their event called "Paddy Goes to Sea: Irishmen in the Civil War Navies." It will focus on the part played by Irish immigrants and Irish Americans in the Navies of the American Civil War.
Of course, you've got to have a party to crash this Saturday, so head to Uptown Columbus for the St. Patrick's Day Concert featuring The Boneheadz. It all starts at 7:00pm in the 1000 block of Broadway and…here's the best part…wait for it…it's absolutely free!!! Bring your lawn chair…
So, it's only fitting this week that I close with my favorite Irish toast—"May you be in heaven a half hour before the devil knows you're dead!" I just love that one…
Have a great weekend!
Now, go have some fun…
shelby
Categories: Arts, Events, History, Good Eats!, Shopping, on Friday, March 16, 2012
The Year just Started but there’s lots to do in Columbus, GA this Weekend!
Hope everyone had a happy and safe holiday season and let's cross our fingers that 2012 will be the best year yet for us all! The holidays may be over, but If you're still in the mood to get together with family and friends this weekend, you're in luck because there's plenty of fun things to get out and do. Before we take a quick look at a couple of things happening, just a quick reminder to check the Community Calendar often because that is a great spot to find out more details on these and tons of other events.
OK, I know the title says Gospel Brunch, but stay with me on this one. If you are a fan of rock ‘n roll music, you are going to love this! The Columbus Museum has a brand new exhibit on display called “Sound and Vision: Monumental Rock & Roll Photography” and it is incredible! There are amazing photos of the Beatles, David Bowie, the Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson, Kurt Cobain, Little Richard—and more of the most notable and memorable figures in rock ‘n roll of the last 50 years. But this Sunday, not only can you take a look at these photos, but plan to attend the brunch where they will be serving New Orleans-style cuisine and have live music by the Genesis Gospel Choir. Cost to attend is $25 for Museum members and $30 for non-members.
So you can spend the earlier part of Sunday at the Columbus Museum and then head out to Oxbow Meadows for the special Second Sunday program they’ll have going on (2:00pm). The program is all about bees and the fact they seem to be disappearing—a topic that’s been in the news a lot lately. Oxbow and the Chattahoochee Valley Beekeepers Association are screening the film “Vanishing of the Bees,” which was filmed across the US, Europe, Australia, and Asia. It takes a look at the alarming disappearance of honeybees and the greater meaning it holds about the relationship between mankind and earth. When the film is over, the Beekeepers president will lead a question and answer session. Plus, you can take a look at the hive on site. Can’t imagine life without biscuits and honey!!!! Admission is only $3.
Well, here we are in the middle of winter, but it’ll be time for June weddings before you know it! Actually, weddings aren’t so much of a summer tradition anymore because you can have it any season and put your own twist on it. If you’ve got a wedding coming up in the near future, you need to head to the Convention & Trade Center this Sunday for the big Wedding Extravaganza. So if you’re drowning in a sea of choices and ideas or don’t even know how to start planning, here’s a good way to speak with tons of vendors in person, check out a spectacular fashion show, find out trends on entertainment, receptions, honeymoon locales, cake designs…you name it and they’ll have info on it to make your planning a whole lot easier! They’ll also have demos, samples and they’ll be giving away some great prizes! It'll only cost you $6 to get in and enjoy the show.
If you thought all of the great after Christmas-sales were over, get ready for one more because this is a good one! The Columbus Museum is holding their annual Winter Sale this Saturday and Sunday, so if you’re planning to go to the Gospel Brunch this Sunday, tack on a few extra minutes to explore some of the cool things they have in the Gift Shop and you’ll get really good deals…like 30-75% off. That’s my kind of sale!! And since it’s at the Museum, you know they’ll have cool artsy stuff for sale but also unique handcrafted jewelry, giftware, handbags, scarves, books about local history, historic and art-related children’s toys, and much more! So not only will you rack up on cool stuff but remember, all sales benefit the Columbus Museum’s educational programs and exhibitions. Free admission!
Just a couple of ideas to get you started making your weekend plans. Don't forget to visit the Community Calendar!
Now, go have some fun…
shelby
Categories: Arts, Events, History, Good Eats!, Shopping, on Friday, January 6, 2012
More Weekend Holiday Fun in Columbus, GA
If you're looking for holiday fun the whole family can enjoy, then you're in the right place! Columbus, GA offers all sorts of activities this weekend, so make your list..and with all of the events going on this weekend, you may have to check it twice! I'll tell you, a great place to check is the Community Calendar...it has details about the following happenings and lots more. So let's take a quick look at a few of the things going on.
It’s one of the most magical musical comedies ever, in my personal opinion, and the Springer Opera House is bringing it to life. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella will grace the stage this holiday season making girls of all ages wish they could be a fairy-tale princess. But remember, this is a comedy about fairy godmothers, evil stepsisters, magic wands, beautiful dresses and of course…glass shoes. And when things get crazy as the clock strikes midnight, it’ll be a good thing those glass slippers made an appearance. There will be comedy, music, dancing and romance…everything a great date night should have! TIckets range from $15-$38.
Two local events that are a must during the Christmas season are Country’s Reindeer Run & the Bi-City Annual Christmas Parade. The Reindeer Run is for the kiddies & is held every year at Country’s on Broad. It’s a brisk 1-mile, kids-only run, through Uptown. After the run, there’s a visit from Santa, free hot dogs for the runners, cotton candy, games & awards. Online registration is available today through 2 pm & is $20 or you can register on-site tomorrow morning for $25. All proceeds benefit the Children’s Miracle Network. Immediately following the race, at 10am, is the Christmas Parade. There are over 100 entries including floats, cars, youth groups & more & of course, Santa with his sleigh and reindeer. It begins in Phenix City at Broad St & Dillingham, will travel north on Broad St to 13th St, then over the 13th St Bridge to Columbus & south on Broadway to 9th St where it ends.
Enjoy an old-fashioned 1850s Christmas Celebration at Westville this Saturday (Dec 10) from 10am to 6pm. Visit with Father Christmas, make your own tree candle, enjoy a reading of The Night Before Christmas, see the Lighting of the Lanterns and so much more! Admission is $10 per person.
Ever drive down the road and see those beautiful homes all decorated on for Christmas on the outside and think, “Hmmm, I really wish I could see the inside of that house. I bet it’s gorgeous!” Well, this Sunday (12-6pm) you can! Historic Columbus is doing their Holiday Tour of Homes in the fantastic Averett Woods and Hilton Heights neighborhoods this year. 7 mid-century homes will be open to the public and decorated to the nines. Carolers and refreshments will be at the Mistletoe Market at Clubview Elementary Gym, where you can also purchase handmade and homemade holiday treats, décor, and other items. You can buy advance tickets ($20) at several locations around town or the day of at each residence ($25).
The Nutcracker, that classic, must see during the Christmas season is coming to RiverCenter this weekend. On Saturday & Sunday, The Columbus Ballet will wow the audience and make them see visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads. This is a show for kids of all ages and a great way to celebrate the holidays with your family. Tickets range from $18-$20.
Make your tree even more special with a one-of-a-kind, made-from-your-hands holiday ornament. Local potter, Irene Pate, will be on hand at Oxbow Meadows (Sunday, 2:00pm) to help attendees design their own special ornament to take home and place front and center on the tree. These are the kind of ornaments that have a story and make you smile as you hang them year after year. Admission is only $3 but supplies are limited so make your reservation today!
So jingle all the way and enjoy some holiday cheer with your family and friends this weekend!
Now, go have some fun…
shelby
Categories: Arts, Events, History, Good Eats!, Shopping, on Thursday, December 8, 2011
Weekend Fun in Columbus, GA? Yes, Please!
You've come to the right place to find out about fun stuff to do in Columbus, GA this weekend! It looks like another beautiful Autumn weekend, so let's get out and enjoy. Take a look at these suggestions, then you should also take a couple of minutes to investigate the Community Calendar to find out more…because there is a lot going on again this weekend.
Now that it’s finally starting to feel like Fall around here, that can only mean one thing…it’s time for Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens! This Saturday (Nov 5), you’ll be able to enjoy this really unique event in a beautiful setting as you watch horses race and spend time with friends and family. You’ll also want to look for the terrier races, art displays, music, stylish tailgating and a HUGE kids zone with a ton of stuff to keep your little ones occupied. This event benefits the arts so it’s a great cause. If you want to start celebrating early, the big Chaser’s Eve party will take place Friday evening at The Columbus Museum.
It’s a big weekend for football in Columbus as Fort Valley State and Albany State battle it out on the field in the 22nd Annual Fountain City Classic! The game starts at 2pm on Saturday (Nov 5), but the festivities start way before that. On Friday (Nov 4) evening you can shop 'til you drop at the Vendor Fair Village at the Trade Center. From 5pm to 1am, you can get men’s & women’s fashions, Greek merchandise, accessories and more. Then on Saturday morning at 10am, the annual FCC parade will come across the 13th Street bridge and make it’s way down Broadway to 9th Street. You can start tailgating at 10am Saturday morning in the Civic Center parking lot.
The Coca-Cola Space Science Center will have a mobile astronomy night this Saturday at 7pm at the Center located on Front Ave. Attendees will be able to see the Moon, planets, star clusters and other bright objects in the night sky. You can bring your own telescope or they will have some available for use. Best part is…it’s FREE!
The 1850’s Village of Westville is celebrating the start of this new season with Harvest Days. Step back in time this Friday and Saturday and enjoy the cool Autumn weather as you learn about days gone by. Staff will be there to gin cotton, cook sugar cane syrup and make candles and soap. If you want to get in on the action, you can help stack hay and shuck corn. There will be plenty of games and you can enjoy some good old-fashioned Southern cooking. Bring the whole family and show the kids how easy they have it these days…we can just go to the store and buy our soap, candles and syrup. A fun and educational day!
If you’re wondering what to do with those pumpkins after Halloween, we have the answer for you. It’s Pumpkin Destruction Day at The Rock Ranch! How cool is this?! Guests will be able to assist in destroying any unsold pumpkins or they can bring their own. There will be a pumpkin cannon, pumpkin bowling, the hammer smash and the 40ft lift crane pumpkin drop among others. There will also be airplane pumpkin bombers and monster truck crushing pumpkins. Professional monster trucks are participating in this event and rides will be available for an additional $5. If you get hungry, there’s a pie eating contest too…pumpkin pie, I would assume. Pack a picnic or buy food onsite, but plan to make a whole day of it with the family. The Rock Ranch is located about an hour's drive of Columbus in Thomaston…well worth the short drive!
And to wrap up the weekend, Callaway Gardens is offering free admissionon Sunday in honor of the Garden’s founder, Cason Callaway. Special organ concerts will be featured in the Ida Cason Memorial Chapel. What a great deal!
Football, horses, astronomy, and pumpkins…you can't get much more diverse when it comes to finding something you might like to do this weekend! Don't forget to take a look at the Community Calendar to find out more about these and other things going on.
Now, go have some fun…
shelby
Categories: Arts, Events, History, Good Eats!, Shopping, on Thursday, November 3, 2011
Fall Mean Lots of Fun in Columbus, GA!
How 'bout this cool weather?! Throw on a sweater and get ready to head out this weekend to enjoy all the activities going on. One of the best ways you can find out all the details of all this fun is by heading to the Community Calendar...you'll find a comprehensive list things to get out and do.
Here’s one of the coolest things they do all year at Port Columbus and, believe it or not, it’s the only big event they do all year that isn’t really related to the Civil War! It’s the Southern Pirate Festival and this thing has gotten so big that it’s now held on Saturday and Sunday! (Oct. 22 & 23) It’s going to be a swashbuckling day full of pirates, performers and skits, pirate music, pirate school, games, and entertainment of all kinds—anything from belly dancing to magicians. All the events during the day are great for the whole family, but then on Saturday night there’s the Dead Buccaneer’s Ball, a costume ball with a piratical attitude!
How about another favorite Fall tradition?! This weekend also sees the return of Oktoberfest at the Uchee Creek Activity Center at Ft. Benning. Put on your dancing shoes and enjoy traditional German music (including an authentic oom-pah band!), food, games for all ages and a Volksmarch. If you’re a runner, check out the 10K race that starts at 9:00am or you can hop on the pontoon boat for a cruise, enjoy live music, join in on the Doggie Doppelganger contest—a dog and owner look-a-like contest, the Hot Dog competition (best costume), or the Clever Canine—the best tricks contest. And of course, there’s everyone’s favorite…the Ceremonial Keg Tapping! Remember this is a family event, everyone is invited & there is no entry fee!
Lace up your walking shoes and join in on the American Heart Association' is annual Greater Columbus Heart Walk this Saturday beginning at 10:00am at the RiverWalk near CSU’s Riverpark Campus. Fun way to help out a great organization!
Judging from the amount of Candy Corn we've already consumed in our office, there's no doubt that Halloween is just around the corner…it’s even been feeling like Halloween weather…so the crew at Oxbow Meadows has something really cool to kick off this holiday! It’s Tricks, Treats, & Trails this Saturday beginning at 4:00pm. Kids can go trick-or-treating on the wetland trail and they may even meet wildlife who will tell them about their role in the environment, venture Beyond the Grave at the fossil exhibit inside the Natural History Center, come face to face with Swamp Thing at the alligator pond, or test your courage listening to ghost stories read by CSU’s Department of Theatre. There’ll be a costume contest, owls on display, staff from the Coca-Cola Space Science Center with their telescopes, pumpkins for sale, games and facepainting for kids and even something new this year…an Empty Bowl Pottery Sale to benefit Feeding the Valley.
So maybe your kids have been behaving exceptionally well this week…maybe…so why not treat them to a special kickoff to the weekend! There’s a fun show perfect for the younger members of the family happening at the RiverCenter Friday night (Oct. 21) called “Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical.” It’s chocked full of adventure, song, and gigantic dancing laundry and it tells the tale of firsts…a stuffed animal’s first trip in the laundry and a little girl’s first words. And it’s all centered around the heart and heartache that can only come from a family visit to the local Laundromat! A great show for ages 4 and up!
Another way to celebrate the arrival of Fall and Halloween is by heading to The Landings this Saturday for the judging of the Scarecrow Contest! There will also be a pumpkin drop and the Chattahoochee Bee Keepers will have a bee demonstration. All proceeds benefit the Children’s Miracle Network.
And that's just for starters! Don't forget to go to the Community Calendar to get more details on these and plenty of other events.
Now, go have some fun…
shelby
Categories: Arts, Events, History, Good Eats!, Ft. Benning-Military, on Thursday, October 20, 2011
Columbus, GA—Get Ready for a Jammed Packed Weekend!
Another beautiful Autumn weekend, another weekend full of fun! Clear your schedules of any non-fun related stuff and fill that time with one of the many events taking place. I've got a quick peek at just a few of the things going on, but make sure you head to the Community Calendar to get all the details about these and other happenings.
If you’re planning on checking out Market Days on Broadway on Saturday (Oct 15), make sure you tack a little extra time so you can take a look at all the cool art that will be a part of the 16th Annual Arts on the River (11:00am-5:00pm). Local and regional artists will have their best works on display in the 1000 block of Broadway and…in case you see something you really like…it’ll be for sale too! They always have a good variety of artists with anything from pottery, pastels, photography, woodwork, even jewelry. Free admission!
OK, I have to admit that I got more than a little thirsty reading about this event! It’s the 2nd Annual Backyard Brewfest happening this Saturday in the backyard/courtyard of The Loft (1032 Broadway). They’ll have live music from MudCat, food and lots of cold beer! In fact, they’ll have more than 100 different craft beers from around the world. You even get a complimentary souvenir mug for your taste testing! And if you prefer wine over beer, you can check out the brand new wine-tasting part of the event. Lest we forget that it’s a Saturday in the South in the Fall, there has to be football so they’ll be showing the Auburn v. Florida game on 3 big screen TV’s. You can get tickets in advance ($30) or at the door ($35).
When’s the last time you went on a real hayride? You’ve got a chance this Friday and Saturday night at FDR State Park in Pine Mountain! Just meet at the campground’s Trading Post and get ready to hit the trail at 7:00pm. It’s free, but donations will be accepted and there is a $5 parking pass.
It’s been called “the scariest comedy of all time” and I have to admit it’s one of my all-time favorite movies. Just the mention of “Eye-gor,” “Frau Blucher,” “Ovaltine,” “Abby Normal,” and “No Tongues” and you know we’re talking about one of Mel Brooks’ finest…Young Frankenstein!! I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen it and never get tired of it…because it’s just that funny. So how cool is it that it’s being show Friday night (Oct 14) at the RiverCenter’s Studio Theatre! And it gets even better…it’s absolutely free and open to all of us. Just remember that it’s being shown in the Studio Theatre at RiverCenter, so seating is limited and will be available on a first-come, first serve basis. This is the perfect set-up to the LIVE stage performance that will be at RiverCenter in a couple of weeks…more details to come!!!
Ready to do a little cycling? Then grab your bike and head for the Midtown Bike Around this Sunday! It’s a 9.3-mile ride that will begin and end at Dinglewood Park (across the street from Locos Grill & Pub on 13th St.) This is a great way to take in the sites of Midtown’s historic districts and even learn a little about Columbus’ 19th & 20th Century history. And don’t worry if it’s been a while since you’ve been on a bike! This ride is designed for cyclists of all levels and will be escorted by the Columbus Police Dept Bicycle Unit. Even if you don’t have a bike, they’ll have some on-site for rent for just $10. Remember that helmets are required! All registered participants get a cycling bag, t-shirt, and cycling bottle.
The music continues with Uptown's Friday Night Concert Series with Big Woody & The Splinters on stage in the median of Broadway from 7:00-10:00pm. This is a free, family-friendly event so bring your lawnchairs and enjoy a night of great music!
Well, there you have it…just a little taste of what there is to do this weekend.
Now, go have some fun…
shelby
Categories: Arts, Events, History, Good Eats!, on Thursday, October 13, 2011
Labor Day Weekend Fun in Columbus, GA!
Hard to believe it but we're at the "unofficial" end of Summer! I have to admit I won't miss the seemingly endless string of upper 90 degree days and I'm excited about all the great Fall events on the way. This weekend is just a taste of all there is to come…and boy, is there a lot going on this Labor Day Weekend. Here's a quick list of fun, but don't forget to check the Community Calendar for all the scoop.
One of the things a lot of us look forward to is the Fall Friday Night Concert Series and it’s cranking up in Uptown Columbus. What a great way to kick off this long Labor Day weekend! From this Friday all the way through October 28, there will be free concerts in the median of Broadway from 7:00-10:00pm and this Friday night they’re kicking things off with a bang! On stage, it’s none other than local favorite Big Woody & The Splinters! Bring a lawn chair and get set for a great night of FREE music. It’s going to be a jammed packed Fall of events in Uptown Columbus and we’ll be bringing you lots more details in the weeks to come!
Talk about ending the Summer on a high note! The 13th Annual Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival is back at Callaway Gardens this weekend and it’s bigger and better than ever. Things kick off Friday night with live music on the beach and an incredible site with the balloon glow around Robin Lake Beach…that is truly a site to see! Then Saturday and Sunday are filled with cool stuff to do like taking a tethered balloon ride or watching the balloon launches, checking out the Classic Car Show, the Disc Dog Demonstrations, enjoying all the live music and great food (anything from a pancake breakfast, to hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill to a low country boil), lots of activities for kids like T-shirt tye-dyeing, kite building, laser tag, swimming and more! Admission is $12.50 after 4:00pm on Friday and before 9:00am on Saturday and Sunday. (After 9:00am, admission is $25)
How about something fun to do on Monday! Check out the Old Russell County Labor Day Fair complete with music, games, barbecue, artifacts & fossils, arts & crafts, antiques and more! Legendary folk artist Butch Anthony will even be on hand!! It’s Monday from 9:00am-5:00pm at the Old Russell County Courthouse in Seale, AL. FREE ADMISSION! (334.297.3147)
Here’s another fun way to kick off this holiday weekend! Grab the family and head out to Wetherby Field at Ft. Benning because they are starting up another series of their “Movie Under the Stars” every Friday night in September! First up, it’s “Mr. Popper’s Penguins” on the big outdoor screen. This is a great movie for the whole family and it stars Jim Carrey who inherits 6 penguins and turns his house into a winter wonderland! This is free and open to the public (that’s all of us—not just military!) and all you have to do is bring blankets and lawn chairs…they’ll even supply the popcorn for free!! Show starts at 8:30pm this Friday night.
Here’s a little history for you: Searching for relief from polio, President Roosevelt first came to Warm Springs, GA in 1924 to swim in the spring’s naturally heated water. Roosevelt enjoyed swimming in the warm water and within a year, hundreds of other polio patients started coming to swim in the warm water. Normally kept drained for historical preservation, the shallow pools will be filled with the naturally warm spring water and we’re all invited to go take a dip this Labor Day weekend! Just remember, because there’s a limited number of folks who can swim at one time, they have sessions designated and you need to make reservations. But I can guarantee you’ll feel relaxed and refreshed after your swim…they say even your hair feels like it’s had a deep conditioner on it!! Saturday through Monday, they'll have three swim sessions each day and admission is $20 for adults, $12.50 for kids or you can get the Family Package for $75 and that even includes admission to the Little White House! (706.655.5870)
If you’d rather head south this weekend, check out all the activities they have planned at Florence Marina State Park! They’ll have all sorts of crafts for everyone to do, boat tours, even snakes and reptiles on display! Saturday-Monday—10:00am-4:00pm. There is a $5 parking fee, $5 for boat tours and $1-$4 for crafts. Florence Marina is located south of Columbus in Omaha, GA. (229.838.4706)
With all this (and more) to choose from, it's time to start making some weekend plans!
Now, go have some fun…
shelby
Categories: Arts, Events, History, Good Eats!, on Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Cooking, Hiking and Jamming this Weekend in Columbus, GA
It's another weekend packed with all sorts of fun things to do in Columbus, GA! The hard part may be figuring out how to get everything in Saturday and Sunday. Let's take a quick look at a couple of ways to fill your weekend, but don't forget to cruise through the Community Calendar for more details.
First up, let's head to Oxbow Meadows for their Second Sunday program (Aug 14)...and you're going to love this one because it's all about food! Summer is the best time of the year for fresh veggies right out of the garden, but if you’re like me, you buy the healthy fruits and veggies, get them home and try to figure out what to do with them. Well, this Sunday, local chef Austin Scott will teach you all the secrets of cooking with fresh, seasonal produce. And not only will you learn how to cook, but Cathy Carter with Columbus Natural Food CSA will be there to educate attendees about supporting our region’s farmers and how to enjoy fresh, local food throughout the year. All participants will go home with yummy recipes and be entered into a drawing for a basket of fresh vegetables. It's all happening this Sunday at 2:00pm and admission is only $3. By the way, I got a tour of the all-new Oxbow Meadows earlier this week and if you haven't been out to take a look, you're missing out. What a cool facility…it's unlike anything else in the region!
How about a quick roadtrip a little north of Columbus? You can make a full weekend of fun at FDR State Park this weekend. On Friday night (Aug 12), they will have one of their guided night hikes. It starts at sunset and ends under the stars. The route is easy and is about a ½ mile. Bring your flashlight and meet at the “No Name Parking Lot.” Then on Saturday, head back over to the park for a Picnic Potluck! This is a great way to make new friends and spend time with ole friends. The picnic will be at the park office picnic area. Don’t forget to bring a dish. Once you’ve had your fill of delicious home-cooked food, bring in the “Dog Days of Summer” with good wholesome music. Join local singer/song writers at the Park Office Amphitheatre for a good time and good tunes. What a weekend! And the best part is…all you have to pay is the $5 parking pass.
Don’t forget that Market Days on Broadway in Uptown Columbus continues every Saturday through November giving you many chances to get local grown, fresh produce, baked goods and other yummy treats. It’s from 9:00am to 12:00pm.
Even though school has started back, as you can tell as soon as you walk outside, summer is in full swing! And what better way to celebrate these dog days of summer than with some good ole beach music. This Saturday (8:00pm), at the Phenix City Amphitheatre, The Landsharks will take the stage and transport us to white, sandy beaches. You may even be able to close your eyes and smell the coconut oil and feel the ocean breeze. The Landsharks are a Jimmy Buffet and Beach Boys tribute band so you know you are in for a good time. Bring blankets and lawn chairs, but no coolers or pets please. There will be concessions available for purchase. You may even want to consider a battery-operated fan to help bring that ocean breeze to life. Admission is only $10 and kids 12 and under are admitted free!
Maybe you're more in a jazz frame of mind this weekend. Then pencil in the Columbus Jazz Society’s monthly Jazz Jam at the Liberty Theatre. This month, the featured guest musician is Tyrone Jackson. Tyrone has a very impressive resume and has toured all over the world with some really big names, including Chaka Kahn and the Crusaders. He says his major musical influence include Herbie Hancock and Earth, Wind & Fire. The concert starts at 6pm and the jam session, where other musicians can join in starts at 8:00pm. It’s a great way to spend a relaxing Sunday evening, while getting in the right frame of mind to start the work week the next day. Believe it or not, it's only going to cost you $10 to hear all this great music!
It’s an afternoon of patriotic and summer-themed crafts from 2 – 4 pm this Sunday, August 14 at the Columbus Museum with their "Fort Benning Family Fun Day." Get out of the heat and into the AC while having some fun with the kiddos. And it's absolutely FREE!
So are you ready for the weekend? Like I have to ask…........
Now go have some fun,
shelby
Categories: Arts, Events, Good Eats!, Ft. Benning-Military, on Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Fro-Yo! Delicious and Good For You!
I am absolutely in love with the new Chill Frozen Yogurt Cafe that opened recently in Columbus Park Crossing! I love everything from the huge selection of frozen yogurt flavors to the wide assortment of toppings including fresh fruit to the cute decor and atmosphere…It's fantastic! They change the flavors our periodically and usually have at least 20 to choose from at any given time. Right now they have a few Fall flavors like Pumpkin Spice and Snickerdoodle. So far, my favorites are Peanut Butter, Peach, and Banana Pudding. Yummy! It's very affordable and you pay by the ounce. You also get to fix your own so you get exactly how much of that Heath bar topping you want…which in my case is A LOT! If you haven't been, you really need to make it a point to stop by and treat yourself. It's located in Columbus Park Crossing near Subway. I promise, it's worth the trip!
Categories: Good Eats!, on Wednesday, July 20, 2011
More Springtime Fun in Columbus, GA!
Lovin' this weather! Lots of sunshine, a bit of a breeze, tempuratures we can all stand…all combine to make the perfect scenario for fun in the Spring in Columbus, GA! So what's on tap for this weekend? Glad you asked! Here's just a sampling of some of the events happening but remember, you can find out more about these events and lots of other ones of the Community Calendar. I say it's never too early to start making plans for the weekend!
The music is going to be great and it's going to be a big party, but there's also a serious side to the Uptown Concert this Friday night (May 20). As we all know, many of our neighbors in the Southeast were very much impacted by the recent tornadoes and on Friday, the city of Columbus has a chance to help out, while hearing some great music. Columbus State University has partnered with Uptown Columbus & other local organizations to provide much needed supplies for the victims. You can bring your donations to CSU’s Continuing Education parking lot between 8 AM & 6 PM, but why not wait and bring them to Broadway in Uptown Columbus from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM where you’ll also have the chance to dance the night away to the musical talents of Big Woody & the Splinters during the 2nd show of the FREE Miracle Riders Concert Series. Don’t forget these concerts happen every Friday night in May & are always FREE and family-friendly!
If you’re one of those competitive, adrenaline addicted, active types, this event is for you. Also happening in Uptown Columbus, starting at Woodruff Park, it's the first Strong4Life Urban Adventure Race. Whether you are cycling through a parking garage, racing down an alley on foot or searching for a mystery clue, you’ll experience a very different mind and body challenge. I have a feeling the Chattahoochee River may even play a part in this big adventure. Teams of two will participate in different activities using communication, problem solving and interpersonal skills. There is an Open Race for those over 16, a Youth Race for ages 10 – 15 and a Junior Race for those 4 – 9. This adventure will not only be a blast but is meant to encourage an active and healthy lifestyle and to combat childhood obesity. Registration is at 9 AM and the race begins at 10 AM and the fee is $60.
And while you're in Uptown, don't forget that every Saturday, now through November, from 9 AM to noon, it's Market Days! Get fresh produce, baked goods, arts and crafts, and so much more…in fact, they have about 70 vendors participating this year. Call 706.596.0111 for more information.
Alright kids…just because you're getting out of school doesn't mean you have to stop reading. Take a look at this…you can go around the world this Saturday at the Aflac Vacation Reading Program Kick-Off Celebration at the Columbus Public Library. The theme is One World, Many Stories and many stories you’ll get! There will be fun games, prizes, free snacks & a chance to dunk your favorite librarian in the dunk tank. But the party doesn’t stop when Saturday is over. Read 10 books or log 10 hours of reading time and you're eligible for some fabulous grand prizes. To participate, get your log sheet from the library, and every time you read or listen to stories this summer, write the titles or the amount of time you spend on each book and return the log back to the library. Every time you complete another 10 books/hours you get another entry in the grand prize drawing. Everyone that completes the program will be invited to an end of the summer party as well. It's all taking place from 10 AM - 1 PM and admission is FREE!
I know we mentioned it a couple weeks ago, but I have to remind you that this is the last weekend to see Lakebottom Proper at the Springer Opera House! It’s all about a pair of social climbing 30-somethings, Tad & Rowena, that live on the “good” side of Lakebottom Park & are desperate to get their dumbbell daughter, Portia, into Brookstone. After a chance meeting at the Lewis Jones deli, they invite the Brookstone president over for cocktails, which is when Rowena’s half-crazy mother arrives in her rusted pick-up with a mutant farm animal by her side. Then a ransom note arrives & it appears that Portia’s been kidnapped. I have heard nothing but wonderful reviews for this production! I’ve also heard that people were laughing so hard they were gasping for air. A must! Tickets are $35 and the performance begins at 7:30pm.
And to wrap up this list of ideas, there's a Classic Car and Truck Show at the National Infantry Museum. The Fort Benning Sergeants Major Association is kicking off its 1st Annual Classic Car and Track Show on Armed Forces Day, Saturday May 21. This is an open event, so come register your ride and enjoy good food and music. All registration fees and donations help the Fort Benning Sergeant Majors Assoc. support charitable the community. Call 706.653.8368 for more information.
So there you have it…just a few ideas to get you started on your plans for the weekend, but don't forget to take a look at the Community Calendar and there's no telling what else you might find to get into!
Now, go have some fun…
shelby
Categories: Arts, Events, Good Eats!, River Fun, on Thursday, May 19, 2011
Come on Weekend!
Seems like just about everyone I've come in contact the past few days is having a crazy week. Could it be that we all just have a really bad case of Spring Fever? It's nothing that a little bit of fun won't cure, so how about some ideas of things you can get into this weekend? Hopefully this quick list will get you started, but if you want all the details, just head to the Community Calendar...it's a great resource for finding out about events going on in Columbus and the surrounding area.
One of the highlights of the month of May has to be “Arts in the Park” and it’s happening this Sunday (May 15) at the band shell in Lakebottom Park. This is the 15th year for this event and it’s just a laidback, relaxing day in the park that's full of music, art and food! It features works of area artists…with pieces available for sale from 12:00-6:00pm, as well as performances by local musicians like the Justice Family Bluegrass Band, the Fort Benning Band, and the Columbus Jazz Quartet. There will also be all kinds of stuff for kids to do…face painting, clowns, pony rides, petting zoo, puppet shows, and amusement games & rides. Take a lawn chair and a picnic basket (or you can buy food on site) and enjoy a day in the park! Here's the best part…it's all FREE!
This concept has been so popular in the past that it’s coming back for its 4th installment! It’s the high-energy musical “I Got the Music in Me” at the Liberty Theatre (821 8th Ave) and this one is being called “Back Down Memory Lane.” If you’re a lover of old-school music, you’re going to love this one…it features music from the Chi-Lites (yep, I remember slow dancing to those guys in Junior High School!), The Emotions, The O’Jay’s, The Stylistics, even Prince, TLC and Mary J. Blige! If this music doesn’t make you want to get up and groove, I don’t know what will and it’s a show the whole family can enjoy. There are performances Friday, Saturday and Sunday and admission is only $15 for adults, $13 for Seniors, students, and military and $10 for kids. (706.653.7566)
There's also more music in Uptown Columbus this Friday night as part of the Concert Series. Throw your lawn chair into your car and head to the 1000 block of Broadway for a 3-hour performance with none other than Peggy Jenkins and The Bizness! Man, can she ever put on a show! Admission is free and everything gets underway at 7:00pm.
The toys are back in town! Disney on Ice presents “Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story 3” at the Columbus Civic Center! One of the biggest and best animated movies of all time comes to life on ice with the whole gang…Buzz Lightyear, Woody, and Jessica and all the others…and they are all trying to escape from the rambunctious tots of Sunnyside Daycare and race for home. There’re also a few new faces joining in on the fun like Barbie’s groovy bachelor Ken and Lot’s-O-Huggin’ Bear. And expect the unexpected…there’s anything from a galactic battle between Buzz and Emperor Zurg to a hoe-down at Woody’s Roundup! There’s no doubt that kids will love this, but adults seem to love Toy Story just as much if not more! Performances are scheduled for 7:00pm on Friday, 2:30pm and 6:30pm Saturday, and Sunday at 2:00pm and tickets range from $17-$42. (800.745.3000)
If you’ve never had a chance to visit Hills & Dales in LaGrange, GA, this may be the perfect weekend to do so. It’s the historic home of the Fuller Callaway Family and when I say home, it’s probably unlike anything you’ve ever seen! It’s a Georgian Italian villa surrounded by some of the most beautifully formal gardens to be found anywhere in the country. And this Saturday (May 14) is a great time to go and be a part of their 4th Annual Picnic in the Gardens, just make sure you take your picnic basket with you and here’s why…you’ll get in free! They’ll also have pony rides and games like horseshoes, ladder ball, bocce, croquet, beanbag toss and badminton. And there will even be some live music to entertain you while you picnic! Once you get there, you can walk to the picnic area or ride the tram. (706.882.3242)
If you need a good laugh this weekend, check out the brand new production at the Springer Opera House called “Lakebottom Proper,” all about a pair of social climbing 30-somethings who live on the "good side" of Lakebottom Park! Rated PG-13. Performances held this weekend and next weekend and tickets are $35. (706) 327.3688
That should be enough to get you started making some plans for the weekend, but don't forget to explore the Community Calendar for tons more options!
Now, go have some fun…
shelby
Categories: Arts, Events, History, Good Eats!, on Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Perfect Weekend for Springtime Fun!
This is shaping up to be a great weekend…tons of fun things to do and it looks like the weather will actually be cooperating, so let's get out and enjoy! Because there are so many things going on in and around Columbus, GA, make sure you take time to visit the Community Calendar…it's an invaluable tool to help get your weekend plans in order.
There is so much going on in Uptown Columbus this weekend…you can tell they are kicking off the Spring Broadway Event Series in a big way. On Friday night the FREE concerts start back up in the 1000 block of Broadway with Classic Addict from 7-10 PM. These concerts will run every Friday night in May and they have been named "The Miracle Riders Concert Series" in honor of Scott Ressmeyer’s Ride for Miracles. Also happening this weekend is the 4th Annual Charbroil Pig Bowl. The public will be able to taste the BBQ on Friday night for $5 and the food will be judged and awards given out on Saturday at 4 PM. Saturday also brings the return of Market Days on Broadway, where you can get fresh produce, flowers, baked goods & much more every Saturday from 9 AM to noon. I sure hope the lady with the giant cinnamon rolls is back this year…wow. Don’t forget, all of these events are family-friendly! (706.596.0111)
It’s the first weekend of May, which means it’s time for the 74th edition of the Cotton Pickin’ Fair in Gay Georgia! This is a favorite event for many people in our area and this year is sure to be no exception. With over 300 artisans and antique dealers you can really score some unique finds and good deals…and just in time for Mother’s Day! In fact, why not spend the day with mom at the fair. Because everyone will love the delicious southern food for sale…which is the main reason many of us go. From fried apple pie to fried green tomatoes to a big plate of southern veggies and cornbread…and top it all off with a bowl of fried ice cream…that's what I'm talking about! Seriously though, it is a great way to spend the weekend and just a short and beautiful drive up the road. Admission is only $7 and the fair will be open Saturday and Sunday from 8 AM-5 PM.
Here's something else just in time for Mother’s Day…check out the cool and unique art and pottery for sale at Britt David Studios this Saturday, May 7. The show starts at 9 AM and is free to walk in the door. This is the play all of Columbus has been waiting for. (706.653.4196)
The WORLD PREMIERE of Lakebottom Proper: A Weracoba Farce opens this weekend at the Springer Opera House! If you’re from Columbus or have lived here just a little while, you are going to love this original play. It’s all about a pair of social climbing 30-somethings, Tad and Rowena, that live on the “good” side of Lakebottom Park and are desperate to get their dumbbell daughter, Portia, into Brookstone. After a chance meeting at the Lewis Jones deli, they invite the Brookstone president over for cocktails, which is when Rowena’s half-crazy mother arrives in her rusted pick-up with a mutant farm animal by her side. Then a ransom note arrives and it appears that Portia’s been kidnapped. And it all hits the fan! A wild new comedy sure to have you rolling with laughter. Tickets are $35 and the performance begins at 7:30 PM. (706.327.3688)
Attention all animal lovers! The Columbus-Phenix City Auburn Club has teamed up with PAWS Humane in Columbus to host the second annual “Two Paws, One Cause” event on Saturday, May 7th at the PAWS Humane shelter at 4900 Milgen Road, next to Cooper Creek Park. To show their appreciation, the Columbus-Phenix City Auburn Club will pay half of the adoption fees for any military family that wishes to adopt a homeless pet during this event. Military I.D.s are required. There will also be free hot dogs and hamburgers, drinks, face painting, a U.S. Army tank, and more! Aubie will be available for pictures from 12:30 – 1:15 PM. (706.888.0981)
Get out your fancy hats…no, not for the royal wedding…it's Kentucky Derby time! The 7th Annual Derby Day hosted by St. Francis will be Saturday, May 7 in Woodruff Park in Uptown Columbus. Big screen TVs showing the Kentucky Derby, dinner stations, gaming, a hat contest and silent auction are some of the featured festivities. Admission is $75 per guest and proceeds benefit the St. Francis’ Trinity Center for Women. (706.653.9375)
See what I mean about lots of fun things to do this weekend? And believe me, I'd run out of room if I tried to list everything…that's what's so great about the Community Calendar...you can find out about tons of event in and around the area.
Now, go have some fun…
shelby
Categories: Arts, Events, Good Eats!, Shopping, on Thursday, May 5, 2011
Get Your Spring Fun On!
Another beautiful Spring weekend! Are you ready to get out and enjoy? If you're looking for some ideas of happenings you might like to explore, check out this quick list or better yet, to get all the scoop on everything going on this weekend, head to the Community Calendar for a full listing…and get ready to play!
How about some great music to kick off the weekend? It’s time for the 4th Annual Frogtown Hollow Jam, a 2-day music festival with tons of fun for the entire family. Located in Woodruff Park, the green Space on Bay Avenue (Uptown Columbus), the perfect location for a perfect Spring weekend. There will be hot air balloon rides, inflatables, train rides, crazy hair and more for kids of all ages. And no festival is complete without food…take your pick from BBQ, burgers, funnel cakes, frog legs and so much more! And since it is a music festival, there will be live bands on the stage at all times. You’ll hear Peggy Jenkins (she is an incredible performer!), Whisky Bent, and Marshal Ruffin just to name a very few. New to the event this year, on Saturday at 5 PM The Big Cat Quest Catfish Tournament will hold their award ceremony on the main stage. You do not want to miss this! Enjoy the fun Friday (April 8) from 6:00-11:30pm and just about all day Saturday (April 9) from 12:00pm-11:30pm. Admission is $10 and kids 6 and under are admitted free.
OK, how perfect of a segue-way is this…Speaking of frogs, it’s the 10th Annual Reptile Fest at Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center this Saturday (April 9). This event is a lot of fun and definitely something different to do with the family. If you’re the skittish type, don’t worry…the reptiles will be contained. The day is packed full of reptile-related activities, including live reptile displays, a jump house, a 30-foot reptile wagon, reptile crafts, games with prizes and much more. There’s even a "Hiss Columbus" Pageant where the contestants are local pets and the winners will of course win fabulous prizes. If you’ve never been out to Oxbow Meadows (South Lumpkin Road), it’s a great facility, where kids of all ages have a great time and don’t even realize how much they’re learning. All the fun starts at 11:00am and admission is only $5 per person, kids 3 and under admitted free.
Don’t forget the Friday night Movie Under the Stars at Wetherby Field (Ft. Benning) cranks up at 8:30 pm. This week's movie is "Megamind." Bring pets, coolers, lawn chairs, but they’ll supply the free popcorn. FREE POPCORN! How cool is that?! This is completely free and open to the entire community.
As part of the Chattahoochee Valley Civil War Sesquicentennial Commemoration (that's fancy-speak for the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War), the National Infantry Museum (1775 Legacy Way) is holding a Civil War Infantry Symposium this Saturday. It is an all day event featuring book signings, lectures, and panel discussions. You’ll see exciting presentations by Dr. Donald Stoker, Mr. Richard Barlow Adams, Mr. Jeff Seymour, Mr. Dave Stieghan, and Mr. Jeff Reed. These distinguished speakers are a mix of notable authors and historians. This event is completely free as are the coffee and pastries from 9 – 10 AM, but space is limited so reservations are required. You can register at nationalinfantrymuseum.com or call their office at 706.685.5814. This is a great and rare opportunity for all the Civil War history buffs.
Ready for a little more music? It’s the 2nd Sunday of the month, which means it’s time for the Columbus Jazz Society’s monthly Jazz Jam at the Liberty Theatre (813 8th Ave). Dr. Alex Pershounin is not only the director of the Jazz Society but also directs the Columbus State University Jazz Ensemble, who will be the special guest group at this month’s concert. The CSU Jazz Ensemble has won all kinds of awards and has an amazing repertoire of music from the contemporary to the classical. The concert will start at 6 PM and as always, there will be a jazz jam starting at 8 pm where other musicians are invited to sit in and play. Admission is only $10 but there is no charge for musicians that wish to sit in. What a great way to spend a Sunday evening!
How much do we love our Cottonmouths!? And they are in the hockey playoffs! The Columbus Cottonmouths have a playoff game at home at the Columbus Civic Center. Game Two for the Playoff series is happening at the Snake Pit this Saturday (April 9) at 7:30 PM. The Cottonmouths will take on the Augusta RiverHawks. Tickets range from $12 - $22. Call 706.571.0086 for more information.
Wow! There really is a lot of stuff going on this weekend and to think…this is just a sampling. You can always find out details about these event and others by paying a visit to the Columbus Community Calendar to find out more…or to start making plans for next weekend!
Now, go have some fun…
shelby
Categories: Arts, Events, History, Good Eats!, Ft. Benning-Military, on Thursday, April 7, 2011
Ready for Some Spring Fun?
There's just nothing quite like springtime in the South…it isn't too hot, there's not much humidity, things are blooming and there's all sorts of fun things to get out and enjoy. So, if you're ready to do a little weekend planning, maybe we can help get you started. Don't forget, one of the best places to check to see what's happening is the Community Calendar. And visit it often as things are added constantly.
Here’s a great idea for some outdoor fun with a new event they are kicking off at Ft. Benning (Wetherby Field) called “Movies Under the Stars.” Every Friday in April they’ll be showing a family-friendly movie and get this…they’ll even supply you with free popcorn! This Friday, the movie is “Tangled.” Disney put a new twist on this classic story, but you’ll still find Rapunzel, a spirited teen with an unlikely superpower—70 feet of magical golden hair (at $260 million, Tangled is the most expensive animated film ever made—according to Wikipedia, that is!). Feel free to bring coolers, a lawn chair, and even your pets. No admission and the movie starts at 8:30pm (706.545.3328)
If you think you’ve seen it all…well, unless you’ve been to an other-worldly place called Pasaquan…you haven’t seen it all just yet! Pasaquan is a world-renowned visionary art site located near Buena Vista. It consists of a series of vividly painted concrete walls and buildings that portray the artist' vision of the future. But that’s only the generic definition! Pasaquan was the home of legendary folk artist Eddie Owens Martin, who called himself St. EOM, and this place almost defies description! You won’t believe what a very vivid imagination and gallons and gallons of Sherwin Williams paint resulted in. He saw it as a way to express the connection he saw between the earthly environment and the spiritual creator. All this from a guy who wore colorful flowing robes with jingling bells and dangling shells and usually a feathered and beaded headdress! Something special for college students this Saturday (April 2) ...bring your ID and you get in free! Admission for adults is $5 and the site will be open from 10:00am-4:00pm.
If you’re in the mood to watch some tennis action this weekend, check out the Bullfrog/USTA Southern Section tournament at the Cooper Creek Tennis Center that will feature 16 & 18 year-old tennis phenoms (guys & girls) from all over the United States! (229.649.9444)
Here’s another good reason to get out and breathe in little fresh air…it’s time for the annual “Festival by the Lake Craft Day” at Florence Marina State Park. Talk about a day full of cool stuff…they’ll have lots of craftsmen on hand doing all sorts of things like blacksmithing, there’s a flint-napper, knife-making, wood carvers, rug makers, storytellers, quilts, woodwork, candle-dipping, and bee keeping. A good many of these crafts will be on sale, too! Kids are going to love it because there’s going to be a fishing booth, face painting, a ride-the-bull game and lots more. There will also be live entertainment and a variety of good food or pack your picnic basket! It's all happening Saturday (April 2) from 10:00am-4:00pm and the only admission is a $5 parking pass. (229.838.4706)
How about something just for kids this weekend? The Columbus Public Library has a program on Saturday (April 2) at 1:00pm called “Growing Good Readers” and here’s what they have planned. Belinda Johnson, who happens to be a Master Gardner, will read the book, Planting a Rainbow, then talk to the kids about how to plant flowers and other plants. Then the children will be provided with flowers to plant in containers to be placed in the library’s garden! So they’ll get to hear a great story and then get all dirty planting flowers…sounds like a good day to be a kid! Best suited for kids between the ages of 5 and 11. (706.243.2679)
Need one more way to celebrate the beginning of Spring in the Valley? Head to the Spring Fling at the Columbus Civic Center! It will feature an exciting carnival midway with tons of rides for adults and kids, special stunt shows, entertainment and lots more! Now-April 3. Admission: General - $5.00, Students (with School ID) 18 and under - $1.00, Toddlers 2 and under - FREE! Unlimited Ride Wristband also available.
Lots to do, so make some plans!
Now, go have some fun…
shelby
Categories: Arts, Events, History, Good Eats!, History, on Wednesday, March 30, 2011
High Flyin’ Weekend Fun in Columbus, GA!
Looks like the Spring weather is back just in time for the set-up to a perfect weekend! So what do you have planned to do? There's lots to choose from this weekend, so here's a quick list of just a few of the things going on. Don't forget to also check out the Community Calendar for a complete list of events and details.
Don’t be alarmed this weekend (Mar 19 & 20) when you see and hear unusual things flying overhead…it’s all part of the 14th Annual Thunder in the Valley Air Show at the Columbus Airport! What started back in 1997 as a local fly-in show for aviation enthusiasts has grown to become one of the largest outdoor family events in the entire region and is a fundraiser with all proceeds going to area youth organizations. They bring in talent and all sorts of flying machines from all over the country…including a guy who was the first pilot ever to fly an aircraft under a jumping motorcycle at an air show! There’s flying demonstrations by current and historic military aircraft, civilian & military aircraft and vehicles on display, airplane and helicopter rides, a military encampment experience, hands-on weapons simulators, a children’s carnival and great food. As for parking…because a TON of people show up for this event…you can park at the airport for $10, across the street at Walmart for $5, and on Sunday in the Hobby Lobby lot for $5. But the easiest way to deal with parking is to head to CSU's Main Campus where they'll have free parking and shuttle service. Admission is $8 in advance or $10 at the gate, for Military it's $6 in advance and $8 at the gate, and kids ages 6 & under get in free! (706.393.3000)
While we’re talking about things flying overhead, here’s a really cool film premiere at the Imax Theater Friday night (Mar 18) called “Tornado Alley!” The star and “storm chaser,” Sean Casey will be on hand as well as the researchers of VORTEX 2. These are the crazy guys, who in the name of science, go out with all sorts of high tech equipment and actually look for tornados so they can get really up close and personal with them! They’ve got cameras in hand to catch all the action and a fleet of customized vehicles designed to withstand gale force winds and an arsenal of the most advanced weather measurement instruments ever created…all just so that the rest of us can see what it’s like to be in the presence and witness the destructive power of a tornado at pointblank range…all from the comfort of our theater seats! Narrated by actor Bill Paxton, the guy from the movie “Twister!” General admission is $8, for Seniors, Students, and Military, it's $7 and ages 4-12 get in for $6 and the Imax Theater is located within the National Infantry Museum (1775 Legacy Way)
It's Columbus Cottonmouths Military Appreciation Night as they take on the Louisiana Ice Gators Friday night! The first 1,000 Military card holders or DoD civilians to purchase tickets at Omega Travel in the commissary or Civic Center box office, get them for $2! Game starts at 7:30pm. (706.545.3328)
It’s always nice to see people helping people, especially when it comes to helping kids! That’s what’s really cool about this event taking place at the Harris County Ag Center this Saturday starting at 11:00am. It’s called Ride to Cure Childhood Cancer and it’s an open horse show being put on by the Harris County Cattlemen’s Association. They’ll do all sorts of ‘horsey’ events in Western and English; barrel, pole and arena racing; kids events, and classes. All money raised will go to Children’s Health Care of Atlanta for their childhood cancer department and research. The Ag Center is located in Hamilton, GA on Hwy 116 East. Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for children, and ages 10 & under get in free. (706.662.0370)
Leave it to an orchestra that’s as hip as our very own Columbus Symphony Orchestra to come up with a performance called…”Beethoven’s Da Bomb!” If you’re of the mindset that sitting and listening to some classic works of music doesn’t sound like an exciting way to spend a Saturday night, then you haven't seen the CSO and conductor George Del Gobbo in action! They are also welcoming a special guest, cellist Greg Sauer, who has performed all over the country. The performance will feature works by Respighi, Schumann, and of course da bomb himself, Beethoven. Check it out beginning at 7:30pm at RiverCenter for the Performing Arts and admission is $28-$36. (706.256.3612)
And if you haven't made it yet and want to check out this high energy show, this is the last weekend for High School Musical at the Springer Opera House! Performances are Thursday-Saturday nights (Mar 17-19) at 7:30pm and admission is $38. (706.327.3688)
Looks like it's one of those weekends where there's a little something going on for everyone!
Now, go have some fun…
shelby
Categories: Arts, Events, History, Good Eats!, on Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Spring-like Weather? Enjoy it while we can!
How much have you loved the weather we've had this week?! I know there is still more than a month of winter left, but Mother Nature giving us a break and teasing us with some awesome spring-like weather so I say we get out and enjoy it while we can! How about we give you a couple of ideas on things to get out and do this weekend with your family and friends? A great place to find out more details about the events listed here and tons more, is the Community Calendar...it's a great resource to making plans and to find out what's going on in and around Columbus, GA.
This event had me at hello because it involves two of my favorite things…Purses and Pets! And it's called just that…A Purse Party for Pets! There’s going to be a live purse auction, silent auction and champagne brunch all to benefit Columbus Hospice’s Pet Peace of Mind program. What an outstanding program it is! It provides veterinarian services, grooming and pet food to Columbus Hospice patients who are unable to do so on their own. And if you have a pet, you know it requires a little work, but you also know how beneficial it is to have those little loved ones around when you need them the most! This is a fantastic program and this fundraiser will help keep it going. Not to mention…the purses will be presented by handsome male models!! (My third favorite thing!) It all happens at the Green Island Country Club this Saturday (Feb 19) from 11:00am-1:30pm and the cost to attend in $40. (Remember, that's tax deductible!) (706.243.0044)
If you’re a lover of dance and would like to see some high-caliber, international-level ballet, you don’t have to go to New York, Los Angeles or even Atlanta, because this Saturday night (7:30pm), for one show only, the Moscow Festival Ballet will be performing at RiverCenter! And it’s not just any ballet—it’s the legendary story of “Romeo & Juliet.” The Moscow Festival Ballet was founded in 1989 by a veteran principal dancer of Moscow’s Bolshoi Ballet and has become one of the best known of Russia’s touring companies. This is being presented in part by the Columbus Ballet, so how cool is it that members of our own ballet company get to witness dancers who’ve performed all over the world! Tickets range from $10-$39. (706.256.3612)
Here's something special kids will enjoy. Just like Hogwarts, Aslan and the Callaways, your child can create their own coat of arms and learn about heraldic symbols at Hills & Dales Estate in LaGrange, GA. They’ll even provide all the materials and because they’re doing that, you need to make reservations. For kids ages 8 & up. Cost to join in is only $15. The class will be held Saturday (Feb. 19) at 10:00am. (706.882.3242)
It’s ashamed she’s no longer with us because she would have loved this! Columbus State University is marking the birthday of legendary author—and Columbus’ very own—Carson McCullers by hosting an international gathering of scholars, writers and performers…including singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega! There will be scholarly presentations, panel discussions, films, tours and musical performances. And if you know anything about American literature, you’ve got to know that Carson McCullers is ranked near the top of the list with her works like “The Heart is a Lonely Hunter,” “Member of the Wedding,” “The Ballad of the Sad Café,” & “Sweet as a Pickle & Clean as a Pig.” The conference is taking place this Friday-Sunday (Feb. 18-20) at several venues in Uptown Columbus including the Springer Opera House and RiverCenter for the Performing Arts and the cost to attend the conference and access to all the special events going on is $100. (706. 565.4021)
As part of Black History Month, the National Civil War Naval Museum at Port Columbus is presenting a new program that explores the stories of African Americans affected by both the US and CS Navies. This Saturday and Sunday (Feb 19 & 20), there will be presentations by Dr. Steven Ramold, author of “Slaves, Sailors, Citizens,” museum theatre performances, interpretive tours highlighting the African American naval experience and lots more. If it’s been a while since you’ve been to Port Columbus or if you’ve never had a chance to go, this is the perfect weekend to check out this new program and special presentations. Admission ranges from $5-$6.50.
Can you believe it? Weather that’s nice enough to let us get out and do a little stargazing! The staff at the Coca-Cola Space Science Center is hosting an Astronomy Night on Saturday (Feb 19) beginning at 7:00pm. Bring your own telescope or view the heavens through one of theirs. Free and open to the public. (706.649.1477)
So that's your assignment for today…start making some plans for the weekend. Hopefully you'll be able to enjoy some of these activities! Remember to check the Community Calendar often because new events are being added all the time.
Now, go have some fun…
shelby
Categories: Arts, Events, History, Good Eats!, Shopping, on Thursday, February 17, 2011
Does anything beat the smell of bbq wafting through the summer air? - link details
Protect your eyes with new sunglasses from Columbus Eye Associates! - link details
Come to the Infantry Museum on Sat. for the Ft. Benning Sergeants Major Association Armed Forces Day Celebration! link details
Have you noticed all the new sculptures in Uptown Columbus? details
Fort Benning will hold it's annual Memorial Day Observance at the NIM parade field on May 24th at 9 a.m. link details