.gif)
As we are rolling through 2023, we stop to celebrate the 200th birthday of Columbus with several upcoming events. First, on Saturday, April 22, at 11 a.m., everyone is invited to a Tree Dedication at Mid-Town Park in Columbus. “Trees for the Future, In Honor of Our Past” is the community’s opportunity to honor or remember someone special in their life with a listing on a plaque at one of these trees: Veteran’s Tree, Law Enforcement Tree, Volunteer Fire Department Tree, Emergency Medical Services Tree, and Loved One’s Tree. Each listing is $100, and applications are available at the Chamber office.
Excitement abounds over the “Happy Birthday, Columbus” play written and directed by Mrs. Nancy Stiles, so come over to the Stafford Opera House on May 7 at 2 p.m. and watch some of your favorite, local thespians entertain you in grand style. Stay for birthday cake and punch following the performance. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students, and those under five are free. You purchase tickets in advance or at the door on performance day. Don’t miss this fun afternoon in historic downtown Columbus.
If you are of German descent, and even if you are not, celebrate our German heritage with a delicious catered meal of Zigeunerschnitzel, Homemade Sausage, Mixed Salad, Chef’s Potatoes, and Purple Cabbage topped off with Black Forest birthday cake for dessert. Catered by Chef Raoul Catering, you will not want to miss this delectable dinner on the Courthouse Square in downtown Columbus beginning at 6 p.m. Lost Cause Band will entertain the crowd with foot- stomping polka music that may have you dancing in the streets. In addition, the beer garden will be open to purchase your beer of choice. Advance tickets at $20 each are now available at the Chamber office. The deadline to buy tickets will be Wednesday, May 10. No tickets will be sold the evening of the dinner.
We hope you are excited about the culmination of the Bicentennial Celebration at the Magnolia Days Festival on May 19 and 20 on the Courthouse Square in Columbus. The music lineup is outstanding, with Darrel Appelt, local musician, kicking off the evening on Friday at 6 p.m. Southbound 955 takes the stage at 7:30 p.m., and the ever-popular Spazmatics bring their eclectic music style to the festival stage at 9:30 p.m.
Saturday’s music lineup features The Bandits at noon and 1:30 p.m., Czech Melody Masters at 3 p.m., and Hackemack’s Hofbrauhaus Combo will keep you tapping your toes at 4:30 p.m. At 6:30 p.m. Midnight River Choir takes the stage, followed by Jon Stork at 8 p.m. To round out the great entertainment on Saturday is The Randy Rogers Band at 9:30 p.m.
There will be an abundance of kid activities to keep them entertained while the grownups enjoy the beer garden and wine garden under the shade of the Magnolia trees. Walk down the 1000 block of Milam Street to the Car Show and the Live Oak Art Center Art Show. Hop on the shuttle and learn about the colorful history of Columbus with a guided driving tour. You don’t want to miss browsing through the MDF Marketplace. You will find everything from jewelry, clothing, wood-crafted items, soaps, embroidered items, toys, and metalwork to local honey and locally canned produce, jellies, and jams. There is sure to be something that catches everyone’s attention. Meander to the Food Village, where you will find just about every cuisine you could want. Fresh boiled crawfish, pizza, corndogs, po’boys, BBQ nachos and potatoes, muffulettas, fried ravioli, street tacos, burgers, eggrolls, and more. Top it off with a sweet treat of ice cream or shaved ice.
You won’t want to miss the presentation of the Magnolia Belles 7 p.m. on Friday in the Stafford Opera House and again at 1 p.m. on the Courthouse Square on Saturday afternoon. The Magnolia Belles are high school seniors who act as ambassadors of goodwill for the Columbus Historical Preservation Trust. They always add a touch of Southern grace and antebellum nostalgia to the festival and historic sites on tour.
For a complete listing of Bicentennial Events, visit www. columbustx200.org, and for an overview of events at the Magnolia Days Festival visit www. magnoliadays.org. Everyone is invited to attend these events, and please feel free to contact the Columbus Chamber of Commerce if you have any questions.
“See you there, on the square.”
Janet Hollmann Events Director
