Check your calendars…this long, hot summer is finally over! Now, if we could just get the temperature to cooperate… With the arrival of Fall, you can bet there's going to be a lot of events happening, so here's a look a just a few of the choices you have this weekend.
They’re creepy, they’re crawly, and apparently, some people will actually put them in their mouths…they’re INSECTS! It’s time for Insectival at Oxbow Meadows, which really is a cool event, especially for all those kids who are fascinated by things that slither and crawl. There will be all kinds of activities, including interactive displays, insect-themed games with prizes, insect-themed crafts and face painting. For the hard-core bug lovers out there, you can buy fried crickets and insect lollipops and there will even be a cricket-spitting contest with cash prizes. Just the thought of how a wiggly cricket would feel in my mouth gives me the shivers, but to each their own. For the tamer crowd, there will be lectures on Monarch butterflies, backyard butterflies, “Green" gardening, and Beekeeping 101. It all happens this Saturday (Sept. 25) beginning at 11:00am and admission is only $5, children ages 3 & under get in free. Oxbow is located a 3535 South Lumpkin Rd. (706.687.4090) www.oxbow.colstate.edu
We’ll continue the insect them and tell you about Flutterfest at Oakhurst Farm (that's up in West Point, GA). They have all kinds of activities planned for Sunday (11:00am-4:00pm), and a lot of them center around butterflies. They’ll have a butterfly and white dove release, which I can imagine is absolutely beautiful as they soar through the air, butterfly garden tours and interactive exhibits. For the more adventurous, there will be more cricket-spitting contests and pumpkin bowling. A hayride through the rolling hills of the farm will run all day and you can meet the Oakhurst barnyard animals up close and personal. They have sheep, goats, ducks, calves, chickens and donkeys! Kids can make butterfly and kite craft projects or go cane fishing on the pond. Concessions are available. Great way to spend a Sunday afternoon! Admission for adults is $6 and they even have a great deal that one child gets in free with each paying adult…I love a deal like that. (706.289.8762) www.oakhurstfarm.org
Some GA State Parks in this area are having a “Free” day this Saturday (Sept. 25). Not only will all fees at Florence Marina, Providence Canyon & The Little White House be waived, they will also have free activities happening throughout the day. At Florence Marina there will be free fishing, boat tours, hikes, crafts & Friends of Florence Marina are hosting a volunteer clean up day. So bring your gloves, rakes and shovels & lunch will be provided for volunteers. At Providence Canyon there will be free ranger led hikes into the Canyon. You can also volunteer to help clean up the canyons too. The normal admission fee at the Little White house will be waived & special V-mail activity for soldiers serving overseas will be offered to guests. It’s not often you can do so much for free & support our beautiful state parks. www.gastateparks.org
Since it's officially Fall, that means it's time for the Greater Columbus Fair at the Columbus Civic Center! There will be no shortage of thrills & twists and turns for all the adrenaline seekers out there with all of the fast-moving, upside down turning carnival rides. For folks out there that like heights but maybe not speed, the classic Ferris wheel will be going round & round along with some other gentler-on-the-stomach rides. If you’re like me & only go for the food, I promise you won’t be disappointed. Funnel cakes, corn dogs, fries, cotton candy & just about any fried food you can imagine will be at your fingertips. The fair will only be here for 3 more days so make sure you go soon or you’ll have to wait another whole year for it to come back around. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for Seniors and kids ages 3-9. www.columbusciviccenter.org
If you're in the mood for a some music from the best orchestra in the nation, we got it right here with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra! This Saturday, they have a performance called "I'm Down with Dvorak" featuring guest violinist Tim Fain who'll be doing several well known pieces. Show starts at 7:30pm at RiverCenter for the Performing Arts (Broadway) and tickets range from $5-$36. (706.323.5059) www.csoga.org
Oh, and don't forget about the Friday Night Concert in the 1000 Broadway that cranks up at 7:00pm. This week's concert features The Relics. Take your lawn chairs or a blanket and maybe even a picnic and make a night of it. Love the FREE part… www.uptowncolumbusga.com
Seriously, there are so many events going on this weekend that you really should check out the Community Calendar to take a look at everything that's happening!
Now, go have some fun…
shelby