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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
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
Weekend Fun Anyone? Yes, Please!
The end of another long week is in sight so that means it's time to start thinking about the important and meaningful things in life…like what sort of fun can we line up!? There are always plenty of things to get out and do in and around Columbus and to make planning your fun-time even easier, bookmark the Community Calendar and take a peek at it often because events are always being added or updated. To get you started, here's a quick look at a few things you might want to add to your wish-list.
If you hear roars of laughter coming from inside RiverCenter Friday night (1.27), don’t be alarmed….it’s because Jerry Seinfeld is back in town! I believe this is the 3rd time he’s been to Columbus, so it’s obviously a good show if we keep bringing him back. I saw him a few years ago and I can tell you that whether or not you watched his show when it was on television, you will love his stand-up routine. Seinfeld’s so good at making the little, ordinary, mundane things in life seem so hilarious and because he is joking about these ordinary happenings, everyone can relate to him and his stories. If you haven’t seen him live, and even if you have, I can’t think of a better way to spend a Friday night. Count it as your ab workout for the week!
How about something really intriguing at the Springer Opera House? Richard Nixon was maybe one of the most polarizing public figures of the last century. Disgraced as president and forced to leave the White House, Nixon was the first president to resign from office. Three years after leaving the White House, Nixon, who had not done a television interview since, decided he needed to remake his image and get some much-needed money. So he seeks out Frost, a lightweight British entertainment reporter figuring he wouldn’t ask any hard questions. However, Frost sees this as the opportunity of a lifetime. So you have Nixon that wants to save his image and Frost, who wants to save his career and the result was an electrifying event that shook the nation. A little known fact is that all the television networks turned down the interview and Frost had to personally call them and beg for the airtime. Even those youngsters that may not be aware of these infamous interviews will enjoy this show and hopefully learn a little bit about American history.
If you’re an antique lover and need some new pieces for your home, this event is for you. Starting Friday and running through Sunday, the Uptown Columbus Antique Show will be at the Convention & Trade Center. The show features dealers from the Atlanta area and you’ll be able to find furniture, sterling silver, fine estate jewelry, Persian rugs, fine French antiques and much more. It’s a shopper’s paradise of unique and beautiful items! Admission is only $3!
Commemorate FDR’s birthday one day early, this Sunday at FDR State Park in Pine Mountain. Author David M. Burke Jr. will be there to sign copies of “Images of America Warm Springs.” And what birthday celebration would be complete without cake?! Join staff on this Sunday at 11:00am and have a piece of cake, cool drink and learn a little bit about an important person in American history.
To kick-off the 60th anniversary of Callaway Gardens in 2012, they are offering free admission to all guests for 60 days. This began January 1 and will run through February 29, 2012. What a great deal! It may technically be winter but these mild temperatures we’ve been having are perfect to enjoy the bike and walking trails and other outdoor activities and if it does turn cold, you can still enjoy the indoor butterfly center and the gorgeous floral displays at the Sibley Horticultural Center.
See? There's a little something for everyone this weekend…you just have to decide which one you want to do first! Don't forget to check the Community Calendar to see what else is going on.
Now, go have some fun…
shelby
Categories: Arts, Events, History, Shopping, on Thursday, January 26, 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
Santa, Singing and SNOW in Columbus, GA!
It's time for some serious weekend holiday fun in Columbus, GA so we've put together a quick list of some of the things you really should take time for. It's a BUSY weekend, so here's a quick peek at just of a few of the happenings, but make sure you check the Community Calendar for all the details.
And yes, we said SNOW in Columbus, GA! Tonight (Dec. 2), it's the 5th Annual Broadway Holiday in Uptown Columbus—complete with a parade, lots of Christmas carols being sung by area school choirs, the Coca-Cola Bear, the lighting of the huge Christmas tree, hot chocolate, hot chestnuts, Santa in the gazebo (kids, bring your wish list!) and lots and lots of 'snow!' Something new this year, PAWS Humane will be there with a trailer full of furry, four-legged friends looking for their forever home. That would make the best present ever. It all takes place in Uptown Columbus in the 1100 block of Broadway from 6:00-8:00pm and it's all absolutely free! If you've got kids…you have to bring them to this one!
I started putting up my Christmas last night & I’m proud to say I’ve gotten all the lights strung & a total of 7 ornaments on it. There was a point while stringing the lights that I thought to myself that I’m getting one of those real-looking trees, already strung with lights. What about a tree that not only has all the lights on it, but if also professionally decorated?! I’m loving this idea! That’s exactly what’s gong on with the first-ever River City Festival of Trees at RiverCenter. It’s sponsored by & is a fundraiser for Keep Columbus Beautiful. Designers have decked out these 7-1/2’ trees & they are available for silent auction & they’ll be raffling off two trees. They’ll announce the winners at the Finale Party Monday at 5:30. Can you imagine? A tree already decorated and you can just store it in a bag and you’re set for next Christmas! Raffle tickets are $10 each or 3 for $25.
If you need a little music to get you in the holiday spirit, the Ft. Benning’s Maneuver Center of Excellence Band is holding their annual concert this Sunday at RiverCenter. There are performances at 2:00pm and 7:00pm. Admission is free, but tickets are required…available on post at Omega Travel or at RiverCenter’s box office.
Something that’s become a real tradition around here is the Annual Victorian Open House that Port Columbus puts on every Christmas. In fact, it’s gotten so popular that they expanded it to two weekends this year. If you missed it last weekend, not to worry, Santa will be there all decked out in his fancy, Victorian Christmas suit—red and white striped pants and a dark blue jacket with big with stars! So here’s another chance kids have to get their list together and go talk to the big guy himself. This is also a great place to have professional photos taken (they’ll have photo packages available). You might even see Victorian-era carolers performing traditional Christmas songs, Victorian Vaudeville performers, and you can even knock out some holiday shopping in the Museum’s gift shop! Santa is even going to fire the cannon at the end of the day!!!
How about a little Christmas music the whole family will enjoy?! The Columbus Symphony Orchestra is having “A Christmas Family Concert” this Friday at RiverCenter. Santa is a busy guy this weekend because he’ll be there too, so bring your camera! They’ll also have Carmike Cinema popcorn, hot cocoa and cookies, candy canes, Christmas games, and of course, lots of festive Christmas music designed especially with kids.
Enjoy breakfast this Saturday (Dec 3) with Santa and then stay for one of the best Christmas movies ever…The Polar Express in 3-D at the IMAX Theatre at the National Infantry Museum. Tickets are $10 for all ages and that includes breakfast and the movie. It all starts at 9:00am.
You have to take a break from shopping at some point, so include some of this fun in your 'to-do' this weekend!
Now, go have some fun…
shelby
Categories: Arts, Events, History, Ft. Benning-Military, Shopping, on Friday, December 2, 2011
Pre-Thanksgiving Fun in Columbus, GA!
Well, here we are…right on the brink of kicking this holiday season off in full gear! So maybe you've got a little extra time off or have relatives coming to town. What to do? Get out and enjoy all of the extra special holiday happenings! Here's just a quick look at some of the events going on, but remember, you can always jump online and explore the Community Calendar...you'll be amazed at all the things you find to see and do!
Looks like the weather is going to be perfect for outdoor activities this evening (11.18)...and The Landings has plenty of them! Tonight, they are having a drive-in movie at 6:30 PM. They’ll be showing “The Parent Trap,” which is one of my all-time favorite movies. And seeing it on a big screen outside will make it that much better. Free horse and carriage rides will be available in The Landings from 6-9pm, so saddle up. And if you’re in the Christmas spirit, The Market will be open to do some holiday gift shopping and Santa will be there to visit with all the good little boys and girls. The best part is all of this is FREE! What a great way to spend a Friday night with the family!
So you know the holiday season has officially started when you start hearing about Fantasy in Lights! It cranks up this weekend at Callaway Gardens. This is their 20th Anniversary and they want everyone to come out and help them celebrate the magic of Christmas. See Christmas come alive as you marvel in awe at the brilliance of eight million…yes, eight million… lights in one of the world’s largest outdoor light and sound shows. You can take your own car or ride the trolley and sing carols as you make your way through the various Christmas scenes. It’s also a great opportunity to shop for some holiday gifts or decorations. And make sure you get your hot chocolate and gingerbread cookie for the ride. The night won’t be complete without it!
Maybe you need a little music to get you in the holiday spirit? The Columbus Symphony Orchestra presents the Classical (and Jazzy) Clarinet on Saturday evening at RiverCenter at 7:30 pm. Special guest David Odom will accompany the CSO as they play various pieces including the Copland Concerto which was written for the great Benny Goodman. Tickets range from $22 to $36.
Join Oxbow Meadows and the River Valley Regional Commission for another installment of the More Pedal, Less Metal series. Ride your bike to Oxbow for free coffee, snacks and cycling giveaways. If any families want to participate in the group ride, meet in Uptown Columbus on the corner of 8th Street and Broadway. Once you get there, chat with local officials about cycling opportunities in our area and hear a safety lecture from Brent Buice of Georgia Bikes! After Brent speaks, the Children’s Bicycle Rodeo begins. It includes an obstacle course, the ABC’s of bike maintenance, helmet fittings and road crossings. All kids will get a FREE helmet. Fun!
If you haven’t already (yeah, that would be me), it’s definitely time to get started on the holiday shopping! And today through Sunday, you have to perfect opportunity to pick up that unique gift for that special someone at the Columbus Museum’s Annual Holiday Open House. This is always a big hit every year. You’ll find a wide selection of handmade gifts, ornaments, holiday cards, toys and books. Refreshments will be provided by Dinner Divas. And as always, there will be complimentary gift-wrapping. All sales benefit the Museum’s educational programs and exhibitions. Admission is FREE and a discount on merchandise if offered to museum members.
This Saturday evening the Coca-Cola Space Science Center takes their Astronomy Night on the road to Providence Canyon State Park. Starting at 6pm, attendees will use telescopes to see bright objects in the night sky. Bring your own telescopes or they will have some available. Free!
And that's just for starters! To find out more, head to the Community Calendar for all the scoop!
Now, go have some fun…
shelby
Categories: Arts, Events, Shopping, on Friday, November 18, 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
It’s not just a Spectacular Weekend in Columbus, GA…it’s Spooktacular!
I can guarantee it isn't going to be a dull weekend in Columbus, GA! It's that weekend to become a kid again with all the Halloween fun going on, so how about we hook you up with details of a few of the events going on that will entertain everyone in the family? The best place to find out more about these and all of the other events going on in and around Columbus is be exploring the Community Calendar. It really is one of the best resources I know of to find out about fun things to get out and do.
Have to admit it…this is one of my favorite events all year…it's the Annual Spooktacular Halloween Celebration in Uptown Columbus! Taking place in the 1000 and 1100 blocks of Broadway on Saturday from 5:00-7:00pm, this is one of the best spots in the city to do a little trick-or-treating! Dress up your little ghosts and goblins and head to Uptown for lots of candy and TONS of fun activities in the median of Broadway. There will also be a Costume Contest with 1st and 2nd place prizes in four age categories. The contest will be at 6:15pm and will be limited to the first 25 participants in each age group…so get there early to sign up. And it's all absolutely free!
OK, maybe I'm the only nerd that loves all the shows on TV about ghost hunting. Well, how about getting up close and personal with ghosts right here in Columbus? We’ve all heard that the Springer Opera House is haunted and now you have the chance to find out for yourself. The Springer staff will be conducting ghosts tours on Sunday and Monday (Oct 30 & 31) nights at various times. What makes this really special is that all of the tours will be based on real ghosts stories that actually happened and are featured in the book Paul Pierce wrote several years ago. They did this back in 2004 expecting it to be a modest crowd and were letting 15 people in at a time until they went outside and realized at least 600 people were in line wrapped around the building! This will be very popular and the tours are limited to 20 people in each group so you definitely want to call now to get your tickets before they fill up. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Halloween! Admission is only $10.
The Columbus Contemporaries and the Columbus Museum are having a Monster’s Ball this Saturday from 8pm-midnight. Guests will enjoy cocktails, trick-or-treat snacks and a wicked good time. Prizes for Funniest, Best Couple and Best Group Costumes. Tickets prices are $20 for members and $25 for non-members, which include all beverages and food. You must be 21 to attend.
PAWS Humane invites families and their furry friends out to join them for a Howlin’ Halloween this Saturday (Oct 29), from 4-7pm. There will be trick-or-treating throughout the shelter, snacks, crafts, and a ton of games – beanbag toss, wheel spin, cupcake walk, go fish, lucky haystack and MORE! They will have a pet Costume Contest at 5:30 pm. All pets are welcome to enter and prizes will be given for the Scariest, Most Original, Best Matching pair and several more categories. Now this isn’t for the faint of heart, but for those brave souls out there, the spay/neuter clinic will be converted into the Mad Scientist’s Laboratory…so enter if you dare!
Okay, so I know we’ve been talking about Halloween but it’s time to switch gears and think about Christmas…because it will be here before we know it. And just in time to start your shopping or get those much-needed decorations, for your house, Christmas Made in the South is back in town this weekend. Friday-Sunday (Oct 28-30), you can shop ‘till you drop. There are always a ton of vendors with wares ranging from jewelry to fine art, crafts to clothes, home décor to food products and so much more! If you’re really ambitious you might be able to get all of your holiday shopping done this weekend! Admission is only $6 and kids ages 12 and under get in free.
Whatever you do to celebrate this wacky holiday, I hope you have a safe and Happy Halloween!
Now, go have some fun…
shelby
Categories: Arts, Events, Shopping, on Friday, October 28, 2011
How Many Events can we Cram into One Weekend in Columbus GA?
I'm glad you asked and the answer is…a lot! And talk about a variety of things going on—there is definitely something for everyone this weekend. Here's a quick look at a couple of events, but if you want the complete lowdown on everything happening, make sure you explore the Community Calendar.
Have you heard about the huge…and I mean HUGE…festival going on at Callaway Gardens? In the history of Callaway, I don't ever remember them doing something like this and it's so cool! It's the first-ever Harvest Moon Music and Food Festival and it's a long weekend of just that…lots of great live music, farm-to-table food, activites for kids, SEC football on big screens, and cooking and gardening demonstrations. But let's get back to the music part. Would you look at this line-up of performers they've scheduled?! You'll see the likes of Shawn Colvin, John Hiatt, Big Head Todd and The Monsters, Shawn Mullins and…the B-52's!!!! And that's just a sample of the talent they'll have on stage. Unbelievable. It's been a few years ago, but I saw the B-52's in concert and let me tell you…just seeing them is worth the price of admission alone. Times and admission vary so the best thing to do is visit their website or call 1.800.CALLAWAY to find out more.
There's more music in Uptown with the Friday Night Concert Series with a local favorite—Classic Addict. It's free and takes place in the median of the 1000 block of Broadway. It's free and great for the whole family.
Every month Oxbow Meadows does a Second Sunday program. The topics are always different and interesting and this Sunday (2:00pm) is no exception. “Green” seems to be what everyone wants to be these days and you can learn more about it at this event. Local residents Rick and Marquette McKnight will be on hand to discuss the process they went through when building their eco-friendly home and what they learned. Oxbow Meadows staff will offer tips for saving energy, recipes for biodegradable cleaning products and healthy alternatives for weed and pest control. All attendees will be entered into a drawing for green household goods, including a programmable thermostat. That’s pretty cool! It’s a different way to spend an otherwise lazy Sunday afternoon. Admission is only $3
Halloween is just around the corner so it’s time to get decorating and making a costume. We all know homemade decorations are the best and the scariest and now kids have a chance to learn to make some of their own Halloween props with Columbus State’s Continuing Education Department. On Saturday, from 9 am to 1 pm, kids ages 8-12 can take a class where live snakes and spiders will be on hand as models to create the most realistic creature to meet your trick-or-treaters at the door. Large-scale reproductions will be made from paper-mache, wire, foam tubes and other materials and decorated to look like your creature of choice. Make sure the kids are prepared to get dirty and be dressed for mess! They may also want to bring a snack or bag lunch too. Cost is $49.
ZUMBA is all the rage now and for good reason. It’s a fun, good for you workout. And on Saturday (6:00pm), Chick-fil-A (Bradley Park Dr.) is having a 2-hour Zumba party to raise funds and awareness for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Join in to have a good time, do something healthy for yourself and help end breast cancer. This is your chance to party with some of the best Zumba instructors in town. Bring the whole family and have a great time (I promise, your kids won’t laugh at you). And when it’s over you will have burned more than enough calories to indulge in a LARGE yummy milkshake. That’s a good enough reason for me to exercise! Tickets are $7 at the door.
And you can't have a weekend in the south without some football! And this isn't just any old football game…it's the 76th Annual Tuskegee-Morehouse Football Classic at the AJ McClung Memorial Stadium on Saturday (Oct. 8) beginning at 2:00pm. Perfect weekend for football…
Just remember, this is only a tease of all the events going on this long, holiday weekend so make sure you take time to breeze through the Community Calendar to find out more.
Now, go have some fun…
Categories: Arts, Events, Shopping, on Thursday, October 6, 2011
Ready to Make Some Weekend Plans? Columbus, GA is the Place to be!!
So how 'bout it? Are you ready to make out your list of things to do this weekend? I don't mean things like cleaning out the gutters, doing laundry or grocery shopping…it's time to have some fun, so let's take a look a just a few of the event taking place this weekend. And so I won't ramble on for days, make sure you head to the Community Calendar to get all the scoop on these and lots of other happenings going on.
It’s another busy weekend in Uptown Columbus, but that pretty much seems to be the norm! First up, I can’t think of a better way to kick off this weekend than with a free concert in Uptown Friday night (Sept 30) and there’s a lot of buzz around this band…The Dirty Guv’nahs…so can’t wait to check them out. Take your family and your lawn chairs and enjoy the show in the 1000 block of broadway! And it's free…you gotta love that.
Then, it’s the 2nd Annual Seafood Festival brought to you by The Market (1039 1st Ave) and it’s a day crammed full of fun and this event has something for everyone…shopping, live music, SEC football, adult libations, and tons of SEAFOOD (Saturday, 12:00noon-10:00pm)! They’re not kidding when they say tons…more than 12,000 pounds of seafood, 10 cooking stations and Columbus’ largest oyster bar are on tap. Lots of live music is planned from the likes of Ed Cox, Kevin Vannoy and The Soul Providers, a Kids Zone, and vendors set up with some great shopping opportunities! But the best part is that this will raise funds for AFLAC’s Children’s Cancer Center and ‘An Uptown Market Thanksgiving’ that will help feed the less fortunate this Thanksgiving. Admission is only $10 for adults and ages 12 and under are admitted free.
This is one of the coolest things I’ve heard about in a long time! After the groundbreaking and hugely successful 2010 Kansas Collegiate Symphony Tour, legendary rock band Kansas is not only continuing, but expanding the tour this fall…and that includes a stop right here in Columbus where they’ll be performing with the Schwob School of Music at CSU. Their first album was released back in 1974 and they have been churning out hits since then like “Point of No Return,” “Carry on My Wayward Son,” and “Dust in the Wind.” The point of this tour, besides getting to hear some incredible music, is they are helping to raise funds and awareness for college and university music programs. Make sure you check out the violinist—it’s one of the most talented musicians I’ve ever seen and Columbus’ very own David Ragsdale! It's taking place in Heard Theatre at RiverCenter for the Performing Arts this Saturday night (Oct 1) beginning at 7:30pm and tickets range from $26.50-$46.50.
It’s also a big weekend at the Little White House in Warm Springs, GA! There are activities happening all weekend, so work this in your plans if you can. Kicking things off Saturday morning (10am) is the 3rd Annual Roosevelt Regatta at the Boat House. President Roosevelt loved all things nautical and this will include a model sailboat regatta, living history, knot-tying instructions, compass reading and more. Then there’s the Memorial Plaque Dedication on Saturday (1:00pm) celebrating the 100th Masonic Birthday of Pres. Roosevelt—they’ll even have lots of cool antique cars on display on the front lawn of the Little White House. On Sunday, the whole town will be celebrating FDR’s first visit to Warm Springs complete with a proclamation ceremony, an FDR impersonator, book signing, and even an “Ask FDR” segment! Admission ranges from $5-$8.
If you’re in the mood for some theatre this weekend, you’re in luck! Not only will you find the “Blues Brothers Review” at the Springer (last weekend, by the way!), but there’s also a new musical production at the Liberty Theatre called “Purlie,” and this was written in part by screen legend Ossie Davis. The plot centers around a dynamic, traveling preacher, Purlie Victorius Judson, who returns to his small Georgia town hoping to save the community’s church. Performances will be held Friday and Saturday at 8:00pm and there's also a matinee this Sunday at 3:00pm. Admission is $15 for adults, $13 for Seniors, Military, and Students, and kids ages 12 & under get in for $10.
And there’s even more theater being offered up and it’s one that younger members of the family will love… “Oliviatown” at the Springer Opera House. It’s a production created by two of the most talented people in Columbus—musician Alan Levi and artist Garry Pound. If your schedule has already filled up, go ahead and pencil it in for next weekend. Admission: $5, $7, $10.
Maybe knowing there's a weekend of fun stuff coming up will help us get through the next couple of days!
Now, go have some fun…
shelby
Categories: Arts, Events, History, Shopping, on Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Weekend Bound in Columbus, GA!
Wow, where did this summer go? Can this truly be the last weekend of summer break before school cranks back up for lots of kids?! Well, not to worry because we've unearthed all sorts of fun adventures for you and the family to get out and do this weekend.
It’s going to be really hot this weekend so why not cool off with Port Columbus’ Cool History program, “Inventing a Navy.” A lot of planning and innovation went into building a navy, especially during Civil War times when they didn’t have the technology we have now. This weekend, you can learn about inventions and advancements in both the North and South navies during the Civil War and they’ll take a special look at the Navy Yard right here in Columbus and the engineering practiced there by Horace King and others. At 1:30 pm it’s Inventing the Navies, at 2:30 pm it’s Columbus Navy Yard Technology and at 3:30 pm it’s Bridging Deep South Rivers, a special screening of Horace: The Bridge Builder King. Should be an interesting program and you don't even have to pay anything besides the regular admission to experience all the extras! (706.327.9798)
Now we go from the sea to the skies… On Monday night (8.8.11), you can get lost in the galaxies at Coca-Cola Space Science Center’s Mobile Astronomy Night at Callaway Gardens. This lush, country setting is the perfect place to see the Moon, planets, star clusters and other bright sparkly objects in the night sky. And who doesn’t love bright, sparkly objects??? Telescopes are provided and experts will be on hand to show you how to use them and explain what you may see or you are welcome to bring your own from home. Solar telescope programs are also available. Of course, you can’t star gaze until after dark so the program usually starts about 9:00 pm and is subject to weather conditions and visibility. And the best part, this event is FREE! (706.649.1470)
Speaking of the Coca-Cola Space Science Center, they're hosting the Columbus Comic Book Show this Sunday (8.7.11) beginning at 11:00am. Check out lots of toys, comics, games and more! Admission is only $4.
A couple of weeks ago, our staff went on a mini tour of the area and some of the places we visited I haven’t been to since I was a kid and I had forgotten how much fun they could be! We got up close and personal with some exotic animals at the Wild Animal Safari Park in Pine Mountain. In fact, some people got so close they enjoyed a drool shower from a friendly giraffe. I've never seen 10 grown people laugh so hard in my entire life!!! We explored downtown Pine Mountain with all of it’s cute shops and restaurants. Lots of beautiful antiques and unique things you won’t find anywhere else. A really cool place we visited was Explorations in Antiquities in LaGrange. Wow! This was quite an experience. They have a number of programs to choose from and in fact, we made bread and butter as they would have in biblical times. It was actually a pretty exhausting process. We visited FDR’s Little White House in Warm Springs and also went just down the road to the new Warm Springs Winery and took a tour and learned how many different types of muscadine wine are made. Very cool!
It just goes to show you that there is plenty to do right here in our own backyard. So if you've got kids, or even if you don't, put a couple of gallons of gas in the car (that's all it will take because all of these things are so close to Columbus!) and head out for one more summer experience before the school bells ring. And remember, there's a wealth of event information at your fingertips…just head to the Community Calendar and take a look.
Now, go have some fun…
shelby
Categories: Arts, Events, History, Shopping, on Thursday, August 4, 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
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
Time to Plan for Weekend Fun!
I don't know about you, but I usually start planning for the weekend at lunchtime on Monday! You have to have something fun to look forward to and lucky for us who live in Columbus, GA, there's plenty to get out and do. So here's a snapshot of a few of the events going on this weekend, but remember, you can always explore the Community Calendar to find out more about these events and lots of others.
If you’re a country music fan, you are in for a real treat because Travis Tritt is in concert Friday night (Jan. 28) 7:30pm at RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. He’s one of the most enduring stars in country music with a string of platinum albums and Top Ten Singles. Some of his most popular hits include “T-R-O-U-B-L-E,” “Here’s a Quarter, Call Someone Who Cares,” and “Country Club.” It’s sure to be a great show especially in a beautiful venue like the RiverCenter. The acoustics in there are amazing! This could make a great date night or early Valentine’s Day present or even a girl’s night out. And to top it all off, ticket prices are so reasonable ($27.50-$37.50), especially for someone like Travis Tritt!
You know, the Twilight books and movies awakened the vampire lover in a lot of people so this is perfect timing for the Springer Opera House to put on a production of Dracula. In this story, the lovely Lucy Seward has been struck by some strange illness so her father calls in a specialist, Dr. Van Helsing, who reveals that the girl has been the victim of a vampire. The vampire turns out to be a handsome charming neighbor called Dracula. Van Helsing sets out to destroy him, but Dracula has other plans. It’s a show full of suspense and intrigue. In fact, it’s sure to be a bloody fun night! And what a way to spice up the winter doldrums! I spoke with someone just this morning who saw this on opening night and they said it was FANTASTIC. Can't wait to check this one out…sounds like something you can really sink your teeth into! Sorry, but I had to go there. Tickets are $35.
This I have never seen in person before, but have seen it on television. Have you ever seen kids doing that competition called Cup Stacking? It's unbelievable! They stack and unstack plastic cups so quickly that I thought it was a product of editing or speeding up the videotape, but there's no trickery involved…they are really are doing it almost faster than the eye and brain can comprehend. This Saturday (Jan 29) beginning at 9:00am, Columbus, in conjunction with the Columbus Sports Council, will be hosting the 2011 Georgia State Sport Stacking Championship at the Lumpkin Center on Columbus State University's main campus. This should be a fun and very different way to spend a Saturday morning and I bet your kids will love it!
This is probably one of my all-time favorite movies and to see it performed live on stage is soooo exciting! Beauty & the Beast will come to life next week at RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. This is a wonderful story with great music that teaches the lesson that you should never judge a book by it’s cover and that beauty is only skin deep. The songs, the dancing, the romance…all make for a magical evening for all the lucky attendees. And you have 3 chances to see the magic because the show will run Monday – Wednesday (7:30pm) as part of the RiverCenter’s Broadway series. You really don’t want to miss this so get your tickets today ($49.50-$59.50)!
Do you "Remember when Rock was Fun?" That was back when Elton John was the Rocket Man. If you miss those days, this weekend you can go back to days of big hair, crazy clothes & glasses and cheap gas. The Friends of the Rylander Theatre invite you to come and see "Almost Elton John" at the historic Rylander Theatre. This will be a fantastic night of entertainment that spans the decades. There will also be raffle drawings for chances to win some cool prize and light refreshments. Tickets are $25 for reserved seating so call now to get great seats. The cocktails at the cash bar start at 7:00pm and the show starts at 8:00pm.
And there's nothing like doing a little antiquing on the weekend! We're in luck this weekend because we can go check out the Uptown Columbus Antique Show at the Trade Center this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.This show will feature dealers from Atlanta area antique shows. You’ll be able to purchase furniture, jewelry, Persian rugs, silver and many other fabulous antiques. Admission is only $3.
Hopefully this info will get you in the weekend frame of mind! Don't forget to visit the Community Calendar to find out about all these events and more.
Now, go have some fun…
shelby
Categories: Arts, Events, History, Shopping, on Thursday, January 27, 2011
2011 Fun in Columbus, GA!
So it's out with the old and in with the new! But just because the holidays are over, don't think that means all the fun is over as well. It means there's a whole new year of things to get out and see and do with family and friends. Here's just a sample of some of the events going on, but remember, you can always get more details on the Community Calendar.
If you've been cooped up inside and need to get a little fresh air, then this might do the trick. How about a little communing with nature at Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center this weekend? They have a lot of stuff going on including a Nature Walk and a Garden Club meeting on Saturday, but here’s one thing that’s a little out of the ordinary. They are doing to do a Raptor Release during their Second Sunday program this month (2:00pm). Oxbow is welcoming Auburn University’s Southeastern Raptor Center for a program on local raptors, followed by the release of rehabilitated birds into the wetlands! Admission is only $3 and for ages 3 and under, it's free. Oxbow is located at 3535 South Lumpkin Rd. (706.687.4090)
And yes, the holiday season may be over, but guess which season is almost upon us? Wedding Season!! So if there’s a wedding in your near future, the Wedding Extravaganza at the Trade Center (801 Front Ave) is where you need to be this Sunday (12:30-5:30pm). Whether your wedding is going to be small & quaint or a big, over-the-top ceremony, there are a lot of details to consider and plans to make. That’s what’s so great about events like this because they’ll have loads of vendors and exhibitors with demonstrations, samples, money-saving specials, ideas on entertainment, receptions, and photography…and of course, they’ll have a spectacular fashion show. You’ll even have a chance to win great gifts and prizes! Admission is $6. (678.548.9498)
While you’re in the wedding planning mode, after the Wedding Extravaganza, stop by one of the most unique wedding venues in Columbus…the Garrett-Bullock House at 1302 2nd Ave. It's a beautiful old Victorian house. They’ll have the facility open to see if this might work for your wedding, reception, dinners or showers! Check it out this Sunday (Jan 9) from 1:30-5:30pm. Admission is free, but you need to RSVP at 706.536.4054.
We've got to have some music thrown in the mix this weekend so let’s check out a little bit of jazz! The Columbus Jazz Society is kicking off their 2011 season with their 2nd Sunday Jazz Concert and Jam Session at the Liberty Theatre (813 8th Ave) and they have a really special guest to kick off this season with the Kevin Vannoy Jazz Quartet. Kevin Vannoy has toured with some pretty heavy hitters like the Platters, Percy Sledge, and Clarence Carter…and he’s worked with the likes of Jerry Reed, Barbara Mandrell and Mel Tillis. That would look pretty impressive on anyone’s resume, but what makes this really cool is that Kevin’s hometown is right here in Columbus, GA! Admission is $10 and the concert begins at 6:00pm and the jam session at 8:00pm. (706.660.9295)
OK, typically this information is about things happening during the weekend, but sometimes you just need a little something to look forward to during the week. This ought to do the trick! The Color Purple is coming to the RiverCenter (on Broadway) for two shows only (this Tuesday and Wednesday-Jan 11 & 12). It’s of course, based on the Puliter Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and the film that was a mega-hit just a few years ago…and it’s a soul-searching musical that tells the unforgettable story of a woman who finds her unique voice in the world. It’s packed full of Grammy-nominated jazz, gospel, and blues numbers and was even nominated for 11 Tony Awards…in other words, this is a landmark theatrical event! (706.256.3612)
Let's end on something that might make you feel good about yourself! If you chowed down on too much turkey & dressing and pecan pie during the holidays, you can work some of that off at the Red Nose Half-Marathon taking place in Uptown Columbus Saturday morning (Jan 8) at 8:00am. It's free to join in or you can go for the optional T-shirt and that’s $25. They’ll be giving out awards and food. (706.315.7060)
We all make New Year's resolutions and they can be hard to keep or broken too easily…but maybe one you can keep is to spend more quality time with family and friends doing things together and having a laugh. Hopefully, these ideas will get you started in making some plans for a fun weekend. Don't forget to check out the Community Calendar for more.
Now, go have some fun…
shelby
Categories: Arts, Events, Shopping, on Thursday, January 6, 2011
Attention All Christmas Shoppers!
Hey there all you Christmas Shoppers! Are you still looking for that unique gift for a special person? Or maybe you're trying to find just the thing to send to an out of town relative. Why not give them a little piece of Columbus, GA! Stop by the Visitors Center located on the corner of Front Avenue and 9th Street in Uptown Columbus for a variety of Columbus, GA merchandise, from jams and preserves to t-shirts and hats to trinkets and books. We've got you covered! Give us a call at 706.322.1613 for more information.
Categories: Shopping, on Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Holiday Fun Galore in Columbus, GA!
If all the activities coming up this weekend don't get you in the holiday spirit, then it just isn't going to happen this year! There's going to be music, reindeer, snow and even a Tacky Christmas Sweater Contest! Here's a quick look at just a few of the things going on and remember, you can always check out the Community Calendar to find out more details on these and other events.
Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow! Friday night (Dec. 3), Uptown Columbus will be transformed into a winter wonderland as the 4th Annual Broadway Holiday takes place in the 1100 block of Broadway. Santa and his entourage will start making their way down Broadway about 6:20pm and at 6:30pm, Santa and the mayor will light up the 40 ft tall Christmas tree. After that, there will be the sweet sounds of several local school choirs and bands as they serenade us with carols. Of course Santa will be in the gazebo for all the young children to have a chance to sit on his lap and tell him their Christmas wishes. Santa is even bringing a couple of his reindeer all the way from the North Pole to enjoy the festivities as well. And here's something new this year and it should be a hoot! We’re inviting everyone to wear their tackiest Christmas sweater for the A Tuna Christmas Tacky Sweater Contest, where the winners will get great Springer Opera House prize packs. This a great way to get your family in the Christmas spirit and will probably be the closest thing we’ll get to a white Christmas in Columbus, GA. Admission is absolutely free.
Because there is so much going on, here's a a really fast look at some of the other stuff going on:
- Holiday Lobby Concert at RiverCenter for the Performing Arts : The CSU Trombone Choir and Horn Choir will perform in the grand lobby for an informal presentation of holiday music on Friday, December 3 at 12:30 PM. The 2nd grade class of St. Luke will join them. FREE! 706.256.3612
- Christmas with The King’s Singers and the Columbus Symphony Orchestra : The King’s Singers, a 2009 Grammy Award winner, will perform with the CSO at RiverCenter on Friday, December 3 at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $29 - $39. 706.256.3612
- Victorian Holiday Open House at the National Civil War Naval Museum at Port Columbus : Saturday & Sunday, December 4 & 5. Regular museum hours. Santa will return in his Civil War – era attire. The entire museum will be decorated and you can have your picture made with Santa. FREE! 706.327.9798
- Holiday Open House and Pottery Sale at Britt David Studio: It’s time once again for this annual sale on Saturday & Sunday, December 4 & 5. Over 50 artists works to see and purchase. Free admission. 706.653.4196
- 100 Under $100 Show and Sale at the Joseph House Art Gallery : On Sunday, December 5, you have the opportunity to buy art done by local celebrities from 1-5 PM. Proceeds fund a CSU art scholarship.
- Messiah at Legacy Hall in RiverCenter for the Performing Arts : The CSU Choral Union and members of the CSU Philharmonic present the Christmas portion of Handel’s Messiah on Sunday, December 5 at 4 PM. Admission is $5. Call 706.256.3612 for more information.
- Maneuver Center of Excellence Band at RiverCenter in Bill Heard Theatre: The US Army Maneuver Center of Excellence Band returns to RiverCenter on Sunday, December 5 at 7 PM for their annual Holiday Concert. This event is free but you must have a ticket to attend. Call 706.256.3612 for ticket info.
And believe me when I tell you this is just the tip of the iceberg! Make sure you visit the Community Calendar so you can see all that's going on and you can make a plan for the weekend.
Now, go have some holiday fun!
shelby
Categories: Arts, Events, History, Shopping, on Thursday, December 2, 2010
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