 |
|
|
 |
 |
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 Calendar of Annual Events
Jan
17
6th ANNUAL
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. 
PARADE AND CELEBRATION
Sponsors: City
of Meridian and the
Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade Committee
Location: Parade- Downtown Meridian,
Celebration Ceremony- Dumont Plaza-
Downtown Meridian
Address: Dumont Plaza - Corner of 22nd Ave.
and 5th Street, Meridian, MS
Time: Parade - 12:00 Noon
King Commemoration Program (app.) 1:00 p.m.
Information: Call Linda Wilson Jones 601-482-6525
February 4
"Little Mardi Gras"
Featuring: Food and Beads Parade to benefit Love's Kitchen
Food for Beads Parade Time: 12 Noon
Place: Downtown Meridian Streets
Event Festivities: "Little Mardi Gras" Block Party Including Entertainment & Food
Place: Dumont Plaza-23rd Avenue and 4th & 5th Streets
Time: Block Party and Entertainment Festivities 6:00 p.m.-12:00
Sponsors: City of Meridian, Main Street, Lauderdale County Tourism, EMBDC
Admission: Free
Information: Call 601-693-1306, 601-482-8001, 601-484-6850, 601-485-1944
February 4
ART FOR HEART Preview Party
Sponsored by Meridian Chapter of the American Heart Association.
Preview party at Hardy Grahams Home, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Information: Call Meridian Office of the American Heart Association 601-693-7500
February
11
NATIONAL ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION
Information: Kevin Locke 485-1892
February 14
2ND ANNUAL VALENTINE'S DAY SENIOR PROM
For all Meridian/Lauderdale County Senior Citizens & Retirees
Sponsor: City of Meridian, Retiree Recruitment
Special Features: Music From All Eras Dancing Light Refreshments
Location: Frank Cochran Center at Highland Park
Cost: Free Reservations not necessary
Dress: Semi-formal
Time: 6:00 9:00 p.m.
Information: Information Call Rebecca Gentry 601-484-6848
February 19
ART FOR HEART Art Auction
Sponsored by Meridian Chapter of the American Heart Association.
Northwood Country Club, 6:30-10:00 p.m.
Information: Call Meridian Office of the American Heart Association 601-693-7500
March 25 and 26
MERIDIAN / LAUDERDALE COUNTY JUNIOR MISS PROGRAM
Sponsor: The Junior Miss Association
Theme: Junior Miss in Lights
Location: Temple Theatre Stage
Address: 2320 8th Street, Meridian, MS
Time: Friday March 19th 7:00 p.m.
Saturday March 20th 6:30 p.m.
Admission: Advance Ticket Packets- $25.00 per packet
includes tickets for both nights and a program
Single Night Tickets can be purchased at the door each night
Information: Purchase Advance Ticket Packets Call the Temple Theatre Boxoffice
601-693-5353 -Starting March 17th Ticket Packets at the Boxoffice
For General Information Call Susan Leathers 601-679-7644
Or www.msjrmiss.com
March 19-April 6
32nd ANNUAL BI-STATE ART COMPETITION
Sponsored by the Meridian Museum of art, This is the oldest juried art competition
in the region; features works by over 110 Mississippi and Alabama artists.
Reception March 26th from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. at the Meridian Museum of Art, 628 25th Avenue.
Winners will be announced at 6:45 PM.
Information : (601) 693-1501.
March 25
THE WAY OF THE CROSS WAY OF PEACE
GOOD FRIDAY ECUMENICAL WALK
Sponsor: Local Churches
Location: Ten (10) Scheduled Stops / Beginning at the
Lauderdale County Court House And Ending at the
Dumont Plaza in Downtown, Meridian , MS
Time: Starts at 12:00 Noon
Information: Contact Sister Andre' or Father Sunds at
St. Patrick's Church 601-693-1321
April
2 & 3 
ARTS IN THE PARK
Top 20 Event in the Southeast, this 34th Annual event is three days of entertainment, featured juried Art Competition, top quality crafts, children's arts area,
regional band competition, art competition, vendors and a varied food court..
And back by popular demand...jazz bands.
1720 Jimmie Rodgers Memorial Drive.
Information: (601) 693-ARTS, (601) 482-4821,
(601) 485-1944.
April 12
7TH ANNUAL RETIREE HEALTH FAIR
Sponsor: City of Meridian Retiree Recruitment &
Rush Foundation Hospital
Location: Union Station
Time: 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Information: Retiree Recruitment 484-6848
April
16
22nd ANNUAL ANDERSON CUP RACE
Sponsored by Jeff Anderson Regional Hospital
Location: Jeff Anderson Hospital with a downtown and
surrounding area race route
Race starts at 8:00 a.m.
Preregistration information / registration fee /
general
information call 601-553-6622
April
15-16
RALPH MORGAN PROFESSIONAL RODEO
Ralph Morgan Arena; Lauderdale, MS. Semiannual event featuring the best in professional
rodeo performers. Concessions available. Covered arena provides shelter for
family entertainment regardless of weather conditions. Shows nightly at 7:30
p.m. Admission $10.00 children 12 & under, $6.00 adults. Information: (601) 679-8861.
April
21
"MAIN EVENT" - 17th ANNUAL BUSINESS EXPO
This year's theme is “Progress” an annual business and
industry expo sponsored by the East Mississippi Business Development Corporation.
Lauderdale County Agri-Center, 9:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. Information: Suzie Sulkowski,
(601) 693-1306.
April 23
MARCH OF DIMES WALKAMERICA
Location: Downtown Meridian (Dumont Plaza)
contact: Joell McBeth, 1-800-842-5117
email: WMcBeth@marchofdimes.com
May 21 
Event: Jimmie
Rodgers Festival
Sponsor: Jimmie Rodgers Foundation
May
21
JIMMIE RODGERS RAILFEST
Union Station on Front Street under the 18th Avenue overpass/downtown Meridian.
The annual Union Station Railfest event features something for everyone including
railroad memorabilia, open-air flea market, concessions, children's activities,
homemade cane syrup, railroad exhibits and entertainment. Admission Free.
Hours: 9:00 AM. - 5:00 PM. Information: Mark Naylor (601) 485-1802.
May 30
MEMORIAL DAY CELEBRATION
Sponsor: Local Veteran's Associations
Location: Lauderdale County Court House
Address: Constitution Avenue Downtown Meridian
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
Information: Call Ken Storms 601-485-1926
June 4
KIDS ALL AMERICAN FISHING DERBY
Sponsor: City of Meridian Parks and Recreation
Location: Highland Park
Time: TBA
Cost: Free
Information: Call City of Meridian Parks and Recreation 601-485-1805
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE
Events begin on the 10th of June with teams competing for awards and selling
their wares with proceeds going to the American Cancer Society. On the 8th of
June the Relay takes place and features the Illuminary Walk (a relay in honor
of those who have died of Cancer). All Festivities to be held at Ray Stadium,
on the Meridian High School Track and Football Field and surrounding school
area.
Information: Betty Lou Jones (601) 482-0166.
June
17-19& 23-26
STATE GAMES OF MISSISSIPPI
Mississippi's largest amateur athletic sporting event for all ages. This annual
sportsfest covers two weekends and features a magnificent opening ceremony held
in Meridian High School's
Ray Stadium. The opening ceremony includes top-name entertainment, the parade
of athletes, the lighting of the torch, and a dynamic fireworks show. Sports
events held in various locations in the area. Times and admission to be announced.
Information: (800) 482-0205 or 482-0205. E-mail at stgamiss@aol.com.
http://www.stategamesofms.org
June: 17, 18
"JUNETEENTH CELEBRATIONS"
Sponsor: Junneteenth Celebration Committee and Main Street
Location: 5th Street and 24th , 25th and 26th Avenues (Downtown Meridian )
Time: TBA
Cost: TBA
Information: Call Sharon Smith Main Street- 601-484-6850
July
4
MERIDIAN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CELLULAR SOUTH POPS
CONCERT..&..CITY OF MERIDIAN, BONITA LAKES MALL OLDE TIME
4th OF JULY CELEBRATION
This spectacular event features an olde time family fun afternoon and evening
held at Meridian's Bonita Lakes on Hwy 19 South. The day is capped off with
the feature performance of the Meridian Symphony Orchestra Cellular South Pops
Concert followed by a Grande fireworks display in honor of our Nation's Independence
Day. For information and an update on events to be held during the afternoon
call the City of Meridian Cultural Affairs Division, 601-485-1944, or 485-1984,
MSO Cellular South
Pops Concert information (601) 693-2224.
July
9
SUNFISH SUMMER TRIATHLON
Okatibbee Reservoir Dam. Biking, swimming and running enthusiasts will have
a great time at this Southeast Tri-Fed National Championship Triathlon, featuring
a 1-K Swim, 34-K Bike Race and 8-K Run. Time and entry fees to be announced.
Free to the public to watch. Information: Emry Kennedy, (601) 483-4821.
July 27
"MERIDIAN DAY" AT THE NESHOBA COUNTY FAIR
Event: Meridian Day at the Neshoba County Fair
Sponsor: East Mississippi Business Development Corp. & Neshoba County Fair
Location: Neshoba County Fair Grounds Philadelphia , MS Founders Square
Special Features: City of Meridian , Lauderdale County Organizations Featured as well as
NAS Meridian
Time: 9:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m.
Information: Call 601-693-1306
July 28, 29, & 30
MISSISSIPPI JUNIOR MISS PROGRAM
Sponsor: Mississippi Junior Miss Association /
Junior Miss Association of Meridian/Lauderdale County
Location: Temple Theatre
Address: 2320 8 th Street , Meridian , MS
Time: Thurs. and Fri. 7:30 p.m. / Sat. 8:00 p.m.
Admission: 3 Night packages available Individual night Tickets at the door
Advance Ticket Sales - Call the Temple Theatre Boxoffice 601-693-5353
Information: Call 601-484-5243 or www.msjrmiss.com
August 13
MERIDIAN MOONLIGHT 5K RUN 2002
Sponsor: City of Meridian Parks and Recreation, Graphic Printers, Pepsi, Little Caesars
Location: Northeast Park
Address: Hwy 39 North, Meridian , MS
Time: Run begins at 10:00 p.m. Registration from 9-9:45 p.m.
2-Mile Walk begins at 10:15 p.m. 1-Mile Fun Run begins after the 5K Run
Cost: 5K Run/2 Mile Walk Early registration and MAA Members -$12.00 /
$15.00 Day of Race
Fun Run Early Registration and MAA Members $8.00 / $10.00 Race Day
Information: Call 601-485-1895 or 601-485-1805
August 26-27
RALPH MORGAN RODEO
Sponsor: Ralph Morgan
Location: Ralph Morgan Arena
Address: Hwy 45 North
Time: 7:30 p.m. nightly
Admission: Adult $10.00 Child $6.00
Information: Call 601-679-8861
September
16&17
QUEEN CITY ROCK 'N ROLL CAR SHOW
Sponsored by the Queen City Car Club
Street Rods, classics, muscle cars, antiques, radical customs,
and motorcycles. Complete fun-filled back to the fifties day. Held at Highland
Park. Admission is Free. For general and entry information call 601-483-6815
or 484-9703
September 26October 2
QUEEN CITY FAIR
Sponsor: Queen City Fair Association
Featuring: 4-H Exhibits, Motorized Rides, Food, and Entertainment for the entire family
Location: Lauderdale County Agri-Center
Address: Hwy 19 South, Past the entrance to Bonita Lakes , Meridian , MS
Information: Call Len McRae 601-553-0971 or the Agri-Center 601-482-8496
October 1
ST. JOSEPH'S CATHOLIC CHURCH ANNUAL OCTOBER FEST (TENTATIVE)
Sponsor: St. Joseph 's Catholic Church
Location: St. Joseph 's Catholic Church
Address: 1914 18 th Ave. Meridian , MS
Special Features: Food Booths, Games, Balloons, Cake Walk, Go Fishing, Raffle Tickets,
Fun for the Whole Family!
Time: 10:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
Cost: Meal Ticket Amount and Foods served - To be announced
Information: Call Jonnie Hill 601-482-2948
October 8 (tentative)
THREEFOOT ARTS FESTIVAL
Sponsor: Meridian Council for the Arts / Corporate sponsor- Bank Plus
Location: Front Street in Downtown Meridian Fine Art Exhibit and Competition and
Union Station in Downtown Meridian
Art Demonstrations / Live Entertainment: Singing Brakeman Park
Address: Front Street Meridian , MS
Time: 9:00 a.m. 11:00 p.m.
Admission: Free
Information: Call 601-2787 or 485-1944
November
4&5
HOMEMAKER CRAFT SHOW AND SALE
Sponsored by the Lauderdale County Cooperative Extension Service this annual
event showcases the handmade goods and crafts made by our local homemakers and
small businesses. A unique feature is the aisle of Christmas Trees, each with
its own theme, displaying handmade ornaments by community members. Show and
sale takes place all day on Saturday and half a day on Sunday. Held in the Frank
Cochran Center in Highland Park. Admission Fee $.50. Information: Sharon Busler,
(601) 482-9764.
November 1
8TH ANNUAL CITY OF MERIDIAN / RUSH HOSPITAL RETIREE CELEBRATION
Features: Bar-B-Que Dinner, Dancing, Door Prizes.
Sponsor: City of Meridian, Retiree Recruitment / Rush Foundation Hospital
Location: Frank Cochran Center Highland Park
Address: 1725 Carousel Drive, Meridian, MS 39301
Free: To All Meridian / Lauderdale County Retirees / Senior Citizens
Time: 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.
Information: Call Rebecca Gentry, Retiree Recruitment 601-484-6848
November 11
VETERANS DAY PARADE
Sponsor: Local Veterans Associations and City of Meridian
Location: Downtown Meridian
Start: 9 th Street and 25 th Ave.
Finish: 10 th Street and 23 rd Ave. (Christmas parade Route)
Time: Parade Starting Time: 2:00 p.m.
Information: Ken Storms 601-485-1926
November 11
VETERANS DAY CEREMONY
Sponsor: Local Veterans Associations
Location: Doughboy Monument 6 th Street and 23 rd Ave. in Downtown Meridian
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Information: Call Ken Storms 601-485-1926
November 12 (Tentative)
ANNUAL CHURCH OF THE MEDIATOR BARBEQUE
Featuring: Eat in or Take Out Barbeque Plates or by the Pound
Family Fun and Entertainment on the grounds and Crafts for Sale
Sponsor: Church of the Mediator
Location: Grounds of the Church of the Mediator
Address: 3825 35 th Ave., Meridian , MS
Information: Get Tickets from Church Members or at the Church Call 601-483-3959
November 25 December 30 (Tentative)
CHRISTMAS AT MERREHOPE
Featuring: Victorian Christmas Celebrations and Traditions
Sponsor: Meridian Restoration Association
Location: Merrehope and the F.G. Williams home
Address: 905 Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Drive, Meridian, MS
Special Features: Tours of Merrehope, a beautiful restored antebellum home, circa 1858 and the F.G. Williams home, a restored Victorian house, circa 1886
Craft and Bake sale items on sale
Admission: To Be Announced
Times: To Be Announced
Information: Call 601-483-8439
November 28
CITY HALL TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
Held in downtown Meridian, the Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place on the steps
of
City Hall.
December 3
CHRISTMAS PARADE
The parade is sponsored by the Meridian
Downtown Merchant's Association. Free hot chocolate is provided for spectators
by Meridian's Parks and Recreation Department. The Christmas parade starts at
6:30 and features over 140 local groups competing for prizes with their float
entries. Local school bands march and many dance and gymnastic groups perform.
And of course the end of the parade features the arrival of Santa Claus! Information:
Michelle Pearson (601) 482-6699
Dec. 8,9,10,11
HIGHLAND BAPTIST CHURCH "SINGING CHRISTMAS TREE"
Sponsor: Highland Baptist Church
Location: Highland Baptist Church
Address: 3400 27 th Street, Meridian, MS
Time: Dec. 9 & 10 7:00 p.m.
Dec. 11 & 12 4:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Admission: Free
Information: For Tickets and General Information Call 601-482-0191