Wednesday, March 16, 2011
High Flyin’ Weekend Fun in Columbus, GA!
Looks like the Spring weather is back just in time for the set-up to a perfect weekend! So what do you have planned to do? There's lots to choose from this weekend, so here's a quick list of just a few of the things going on. Don't forget to also check out the Community Calendar for a complete list of events and details.
Don’t be alarmed this weekend (Mar 19 & 20) when you see and hear unusual things flying overhead…it’s all part of the 14th Annual Thunder in the Valley Air Show at the Columbus Airport! What started back in 1997 as a local fly-in show for aviation enthusiasts has grown to become one of the largest outdoor family events in the entire region and is a fundraiser with all proceeds going to area youth organizations. They bring in talent and all sorts of flying machines from all over the country…including a guy who was the first pilot ever to fly an aircraft under a jumping motorcycle at an air show! There’s flying demonstrations by current and historic military aircraft, civilian & military aircraft and vehicles on display, airplane and helicopter rides, a military encampment experience, hands-on weapons simulators, a children’s carnival and great food. As for parking…because a TON of people show up for this event…you can park at the airport for $10, across the street at Walmart for $5, and on Sunday in the Hobby Lobby lot for $5. But the easiest way to deal with parking is to head to CSU's Main Campus where they'll have free parking and shuttle service. Admission is $8 in advance or $10 at the gate, for Military it's $6 in advance and $8 at the gate, and kids ages 6 & under get in free! (706.393.3000)
While we’re talking about things flying overhead, here’s a really cool film premiere at the Imax Theater Friday night (Mar 18) called “Tornado Alley!” The star and “storm chaser,” Sean Casey will be on hand as well as the researchers of VORTEX 2. These are the crazy guys, who in the name of science, go out with all sorts of high tech equipment and actually look for tornados so they can get really up close and personal with them! They’ve got cameras in hand to catch all the action and a fleet of customized vehicles designed to withstand gale force winds and an arsenal of the most advanced weather measurement instruments ever created…all just so that the rest of us can see what it’s like to be in the presence and witness the destructive power of a tornado at pointblank range…all from the comfort of our theater seats! Narrated by actor Bill Paxton, the guy from the movie “Twister!” General admission is $8, for Seniors, Students, and Military, it's $7 and ages 4-12 get in for $6 and the Imax Theater is located within the National Infantry Museum (1775 Legacy Way)
It's Columbus Cottonmouths Military Appreciation Night as they take on the Louisiana Ice Gators Friday night! The first 1,000 Military card holders or DoD civilians to purchase tickets at Omega Travel in the commissary or Civic Center box office, get them for $2! Game starts at 7:30pm. (706.545.3328)
It’s always nice to see people helping people, especially when it comes to helping kids! That’s what’s really cool about this event taking place at the Harris County Ag Center this Saturday starting at 11:00am. It’s called Ride to Cure Childhood Cancer and it’s an open horse show being put on by the Harris County Cattlemen’s Association. They’ll do all sorts of ‘horsey’ events in Western and English; barrel, pole and arena racing; kids events, and classes. All money raised will go to Children’s Health Care of Atlanta for their childhood cancer department and research. The Ag Center is located in Hamilton, GA on Hwy 116 East. Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for children, and ages 10 & under get in free. (706.662.0370)
Leave it to an orchestra that’s as hip as our very own Columbus Symphony Orchestra to come up with a performance called…”Beethoven’s Da Bomb!” If you’re of the mindset that sitting and listening to some classic works of music doesn’t sound like an exciting way to spend a Saturday night, then you haven't seen the CSO and conductor George Del Gobbo in action! They are also welcoming a special guest, cellist Greg Sauer, who has performed all over the country. The performance will feature works by Respighi, Schumann, and of course da bomb himself, Beethoven. Check it out beginning at 7:30pm at RiverCenter for the Performing Arts and admission is $28-$36. (706.256.3612)
And if you haven't made it yet and want to check out this high energy show, this is the last weekend for High School Musical at the Springer Opera House! Performances are Thursday-Saturday nights (Mar 17-19) at 7:30pm and admission is $38. (706.327.3688)
Looks like it's one of those weekends where there's a little something going on for everyone!
Now, go have some fun…
shelby