Thursday, January 6, 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