Yeah, it's hot, but never too hot to get out and have a little weekend fun! We've compiled a quick list of just a few of the things going on this weekend in and around Columbus, GA. Don't forget to visit the Community Calendar to get a full listing of all the events taking place.
It may not officially be the dog-days of Summer, but that’s what they’re calling it over at The Rock Ranch! If you aren’t familiar with The Rock Ranch, it’s a 1250-acre working cattle farm owned by Chik-Fil-A founder Truett Cathy and it’s sole purpose is to unite families with the land and each other…and having lots of fun doing it! Here’s some of the stuff they’ll have going on Saturday (July 24 10:00am-5:00pm) during the Dog Day of Summer: World Championship Frisbee Dog Team-Georgia Irish Disc Dogs, pet parade and doggy costume contest facilitated by Dolly Goodpuppy, train rides, pony rides, paddle boats, giant jumping pillow, petting zoo, hay rides, slide hill, a cow milking station and more. Take a picnic with you or enjoy some of their concessions…including a spot where you can build your own sno-cone from 30 different flavors! You can even bring your dog, just make sure to keep him on a leash. The Rock Ranch is located in The Rock, GA…yes, there's really a town called The Rock and it's located near Thomaston. Admission is only $8 per person and ages 3 & under get in free. (706.647.6374) www.therockranch.com
So if it’s just too hot for you to get outside and do anything or if have a long weekend coming up at the beach or by the pool, you may want to stock up on some good reading material and here’s the perfect spot to do just that! It’s the Muscogee County Friends of Libraries Biannual Book Sale at the Columbus Public Library (3000 Macon Road). They’ll have just about anything you can imagine…children’s books, non-fiction, fiction, biographies…something for everyone. And not only will you have a great selection of books at killer prices, you’re also helping the Friends of Libraries with their programs, author events, volunteer activities and lots more. It's going on Saturday from 10:00am-5:00pm and Sunday from 2:00-4:00pm and there's no admission. (706.243.2674) http://thecolumbuslibrary.org
We’ve talked before about some of the cool concerts and jazz jams the Columbus Jazz Society does the 2nd Sunday of each month. Even though this isn’t the 2nd Sunday, they’ve got a special event happening at the Liberty Theatre (813 8th Ave) Saturday night (7:00pm) called “An Evening with Kathy Roberts.” This is actually a fund-raiser to help the Jazz Society bring in all the top-notch acts to Columbus. I haven’t seen Ms. Roberts perform but just mentioning her name to a couple of folks…they got all excited & said she is an incredible talent and puts on an unbelievable show. She’s originally from Philadelphia & has a background in drama, voice and dance, which when you bundle all that talent together, you know you’re in for an entertaining show! Just ask a guy she used to perform with…Stevie Wonder!!! Admission is $20 but don't forget this is a fundraiser! (706.687.9148) columbusjazzsociety.com
Don’t forget—the last couple of performances of the Springer’s production of “Madeline and the Gypsies” take place this weekend! (Friday at 7:00pm and Saturday at 2:00pm and 7:00pm) If you have kids in the house, they’ll love this. Madeline is one of 12 little girls that live in a house in Paris and she’s the most mischievous of the girls and when they take a trip to the carnival, she and her friend, Pepito, get lost and end up being carried away by gypsies and they become part of the traveling circus! This production of Madeline and the Gypsies is a musical full of songs, dancing, circus acts and sweet silliness. This is the perfect way to spend a hot summer night or afternoon with your family…inside a cool, air-conditioned theatre. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. (706.327.3688) www.springeroperahouse.org
And there's great music down by the river this Saturday night at the Phenix City Amphitheatre as they welcome Chuck Negron, former lead singer of Three Dog Night. Remember "Jeremiah was a Bullfrog," "One is the Loneliest Number," and "Just an Old Fashioned Love Song?" He'll be doing all these hits and lots more! Lawn chairs and blanket are allowed, but coolers are not. Admission is $10, ages 10 & under get in free. (334.291.4719)
Just dress cool and drink lots of water when you're out and about this weekend!
Now, go have some fun…
shelby