Columbia, MS – October 1, 2016 – The Marion County Historical Society is proud to present the 51st annual Heritage Fest on October 1, 2016 from 9:00am to 5:00pm at Columbia Friendship Park, sponsored by Coca Cola and The Columbian Progress. The MCHS’s Heritage Fest is a traditional family festival, hosting a variety of vendors, delicious food, a wonderful array of entertainment and community fellowship.
The festivities will kick off with an opening ceremony at 9:00am with the American Legion raising the American flag.
In the entertainment line-up will include the outstanding cultural heritage performance by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, Columbia Dance Center’s ballerinas, and William Carey’s Knights of Jazz.
At 2:00pm WJDR’s Country Showdown contest will begin at the Zellco Stage in the park. The 35th annual Country Showdown is America’s largest Country music talent show and is held in over 450 spots across the US. WJDR will host the local contest right here in Columbia as part of this year’s Heritage Fest. The winner will advance to their respective State competitions. State winners will compete at Regional Finals and those winners will continue to the televised National Final.
Special exhibits at this year’s Heritage Fest include: a petting zoo, functional steam engine, Tri-Community Fire Department rescue demonstrations, grist mill, early 1800’s Buckskinner, authentic WWII Willy’s Jeep, Model T Ford from the movie My Dog Skip, featured animals from the Animal Shelter, an Alpaca Fur sheering/weaving booth, and much more.
An enticing diversity of food and snacks will be available for purchase throughout the day including Kanes, R&K Pitstop, Big Rev’s BBQ, Improve Baptist Church Youth’s hamburgers and hotdogs, snowballs, cotton candy, peanuts, jams, jellies, honey, cracklins, and Indian fry bread.
The event is free and open to the public.
The Marion County Historical Society is a nonprofit organization located in Columbia, MS at 200 Second Street. The phone number is 601-731-3999. The MCHS is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of Marion County and the region.
