Time to start making plans for weekend fun, so let me help! As usual, we've got a ton of stuff going on, so here's just a sample of some of the things you might want to check out. Don't forget to visit the Community Calendar to get more details and a complete listing of other events taking place in and around Columbus, GA.
Ok, so ever since they announced the new season at the Springer Opera House and I saw this performance listed, I’ve been racking my brain trying to figure out how they are going to do the very last scene! Talking of course about “The Full Monty.” This play is based on the Academy Award-winning film of the same name, about 6 laid off steel workers who see their wives’ obsession with the Chippendales and decide to perform as male strippers in a desperate attempt to raise much needed cash! The guys not only confront their feelings of insecurity, but they discover how to take charge of their lives again…not to mention taking it all off in front of all those women! That’s what I can’t figure out…if you’ve seen the last part of the movie…and it's a really good movie…you know what happens, so how are they going to do this on stage?! Hmmmm… That’s why it’s rated PG-16!! Performances will be held Thursdays-Sundays now until October 2 and will begin at 7:30pm and the matinees on Sunday at 2:30pm. Tickets are $38. 706.327.3688 www.springeroperahouse.org
How about a big hip-hip-hooray because Autumn is almost in the air (we get excited when the temperature starts dipping below 90!) so to celebrate, it’s time to kick off the Broadway Event Series Fall Friday Night Concert Series on Uptown Columbus (1000 block of Broadway)! Since this is going to be happening each Friday night between now and October 8, my suggestion is to just put the lawn chair or blanket in your car so you’ll be ready for the fun each Friday night. You can grab some good grub at one of the many restaurants in Uptown, find you a good spot near the stage, and enjoy the show! There’s some great talent for this series and kicking everything off is local favorite Big Woody and the Splinters. These concerts are free and suitable for the whole family. 706.596.0111 www.uptowncolumbusga.com
Here’s a really cool competition going on at Columbus Botanical Garden and it’s all to do with building your own scarecrow, but here’s the catch…your creation must contain 50% or more re-purposed, reused or recycled materials! Sounds interesting? You can enter as a team or individual. Entry fee is only $10. Must be completed by Oct. 2 and awards will be given in both adult and youth categories. (Prizes: 1st—$100, 2nd—$50, 3rd—$25, People’s Choice—$50) www.columbusbotanicalgarden.com
Get out your boots and cowboy hats because coming back for its 22nd year is the Annual Harris County Cattleman’s Rodeo this Friday and Saturday. This is the real-deal rodeo…part of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), which is the most popular kind of rodeo in the country and it’s known as the “Granddaddy of Rodeos!” They’ll have 7 events each night including Steer Wrestling, Bareback Riding, Team Roping, Saddle Bronc Riding, Tie-Down Roping, Barrel Racing, and the big one…Bull Riding competition! Gates open at 6:00pm Friday and Saturday night and the competition gets underway at 8:00pm and it all takes place in the Mike Tracy Arena, Hwy 116 in Hamilton, GA. Admission is $12 for Adults, $6 for ages 6-12 and 5 & under get in free. They do have military discounts available. 706.573.2479 www.hccaonline.com
With everyone thinking more about being ‘greener,’ you may have been toying with the idea of biking more and driving less. If so, you might want to check out the what’s going on at Oxbow Meadows because they are teaming up with the River Valley Regional Commission to kick off an urban cycling initiative. The day starts off at 9:00am with breakfast and an informal discussion about biking in Columbus. They’ll have experts on hand to show you the safest routes to get to one place to another, and offer tips on bike safety and etiquette. Feel free to ride you bike to this event…Oxbow Meadows (3535 South Lumpkin Rd) is accessible via the RiverWalk. Free! 706.687.4090 www.oxbow.colstate.edu
And finally, I don't care how old of 'kid' you are, you're never too old for the circus! This weekend, the Shrine Circus is in town at the Columbus Civic Center for 5 big shows. I'll see you in the cotton-candy line… 706.393.4000 www.columbusciviccenter.org
So as you can see, there's plenty to get out and do this weekend. Need more ideas? Head to the Community Calendar for lots more event info.
Now, go have some fun…
shelby