Being born and raised in the South, I know how to live with summer heat…really I do. You know when to wear cotton and linen and when to guzzle doen a few extra bottles of water and you're fine…normally. But if I had to endure many more 100 degree days with 99% humidity, I think I would have pulled out what's left of my frizzy, unmanageable hair. Thankfully, relief is on the horizon. Autumn is here!!!!! It's almost time to break out the sweaters and boots, roasting marshmallow over an open fire and swigging down cups of hot chocolate. Well, maybe all that's still a few weeks away, but we're getting there and to celebrate this change of season, there's a ton of fun stuff to do in Columbus, GA. We've got a quick rundown here for you, but don't forget to check the Community Calendar to get all the details on these and many other events.
Fall Family Fun Days are cranking back up at The Rock Ranch in…wait for it…The Rock, GA! (Just outside of Thomaston.) This year, they have partnered with NASA and this Saturday (Sept 24 10am-9pm), the theme is really “out of this world.” With so many activities happening in one day, you really need to get there early to get them all in. There’s the “50 Years of Space Exploration” Corn Maze, meet and greet with an astronaut, activities staffed by a team from Kennedy Space Center that include a mobile planetarium, rocket craft projects, cool photo ops, a space suit and space food demonstrations. Telescopes will be on hand for sum sky gazing and the “SOAR” rocket club will launch model rockets throughout the day. Very cool stuff! Admission is $14, kids 3 and under get in free, and military get in for half-price with a valid ID.
Ok, now if this one doesn't have you wanting to get up and dance in the aisles, I don't know what will! Through special arrangement with Dan Akroyd and the John Belushi Estate, the Springer Opera House presents a one-of-a-kind musical theatre event, “The Blues Brothers Revue.” Jake and Elwood are once again on a “mission from God” as they make a pilgrimage to Columbus, GA to pay homage to the Mother of the Blues – Ma Rainey. The cast was hand-picked by Akroyd and John Belushi’s widow, Judy. The show will feature tunes like “She Caught the Katy,” “Soul Man,” “Sweet Home Chicago,” “Peter Gunn Theme,” and “Think.” Once the show leaves Columbus it will go on tour around the country, which is pretty spectacular. Make sure you don’t miss this very special performance! Admission ranges from $25-$38.
The Chattahoochee Valley United Way presents Family Fun Day at Idle Hour Park in Phenix City on Sunday, Sept 25 at noon. There will be inflatables, arts and crafts, a train, games and prizes, clowns, a dance show, live music, face painting and more. Those who can are asked to bring a new baby item to donate. For more information call 706.596.0904.
You've got to love the name of this event…"Help the Hooch with Your Pooch!" Oxbow Meadows has teamed up with Keep Columbus Beautiful to raise awareness of water quality issues in preparation for the big Help the Hooch event in October. On Saturday (10am-1pm), guests and all the four-legged members of the family can have a ball at Lakebottom Park (in Midtown Columbus). There will be water quality testing demonstrations, lots of games and activities with prizes, and pet photos for $5. You can also sign your pooch up for events like a pooch talent show, an owner look-a-like contest, fashion show, and ugliest dog contest. If you want a little exercise, you can participate in the 1.5 mile Awareness Walk around the park. Hotdogs and shaved ice will be available for purchase. Help make a difference while having fun!
Look at this…it's only the first weekend of Fall and we've already got our first festival happening! It’s the 15th Annual Peanut Festival in downtown Plains, GA this weekend! This event is always so much fun and it’s just a short ride down the road. On Saturday, there will be a 1-mile and 5K road race, a parade through the downtown with President Carter, and lots of arts and crafts and yummy food vendors. There’s a Peanut Pavilion with more fun stuff happening, book signings with President and Mrs. Carter and lots of live music and entertainment. For a small fee, you can even take a ride on the SAM Shortline Train. Saturday evening there’s a folk-play at Plains High School and on Sunday morning you can go to Sunday School with President Carter at Maranatha Baptist Church. A great way to be outdoors on this beautiful weekend!
It's going to be a very busy, fun season in Columbus, GA and we can't wait to tell you about all the cool stuff coming up, so check back often for details.
Now, go have some fun…
shelby