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Columbus
is rich in leisure activities.
No matter
if the choice is culture or sports, there’s something for most
everyone. Chamber and tourism leaders have seen an increase in people
who come into town on weekends to shop for antiques and to partake of
the history usually associated with antiques and they are not disappointed.
Antique shops and specialty shops make shopping in Columbus a pleasant
experience. Brochures listing shopping opportunities, restaurants, walking
and driving tours, and lodging are available at the Welcome Center or
by calling the CLCVB at 662.329.1191 or 800.327.2686.
Entertainment may range from a blues band at a local eatery, or a concert
on the East Bank at the Lock & Dam, or perhaps the big “Muddy
River Music Festival” each fall, but wherever or whatever, music
means a big event. Stage performances and classical musicians play often
at the MUW campus. Most of these events are well-publicized, but the
Columbus Arts Council serves as a clearing house for cultural events;
call 662.328.2787.
Patriotism is the order of the day on or around July 4th, when the big
“GO 4th” celebration takes place at the Columbus Air Force
Base. This is one of the largest celebrations in the state, and along
with the fireworks display, a well-known entertainer is usually on hand
to add a touch of glamour to this popular event. Bring a blanket to
spread and enjoy the day with friends and family.
“Christmas in Columbus” is a most enjoyable event for visitors
and locals. This month-long celebration includes a parade with Santa,
a lighted boat parade on the Tenn-Tom Waterway, church musicals and
other special performances, including the Singing Christmas Tree; community
caroling, tours of decorated historic homes, indoor arts and craft show
at Lake Lowndes State Park, the MUW presentation of The Nutcracker ballet,
the “Christmas Trees of the World” at the Columbus Library,
and more!
Throughout the year, locals enjoy outdoor sports — from fishing
to boating to hunting to contact sports events. Biking is available
at the Columbus Lock & Dam, Propst Park and Lake Lowndes State Park.
Camping, boat launching and nature trails are available at Lake Lowndes
State Park (662.328.2110), Dewayne Hayes Recreation Area and Town Creek
Campground, all on the Waterway (662.327.2142). See the many brochures
promoting outdoor recreation; available at the Welcome Center, 300 Main
Street.
Columbus is proud of its fine YMCA (662.328.7696) and the outstanding
sports opportunities available near downtown. Exercise facilities and
a world-class pool are two good reasons to join the “Y”, but
there’s so much more. Call for complete details.
Main Street Columbus
Some festivals managed by non-profits are recipients of the local tourism
grants, among them the annual Market Street Festival, a function of
the Columbus Main Street program. The Market Street Festival is a popular
event that attracts around 35,000 people to downtown Columbus each May.
It is a consistent winner of the Southeast Tourism Society’s “Top
20” events for the month of May. Another Main Street-sponsored
event is the Festival of Lights at Riverside Park during the month of
December.
The Main Street Program began in the Midwest in the 1970s as a project
for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. It has enjoyed phenomenal
success in a relatively short time by helping to revitalize downtowns
in certain cities in the United States. Since Main Street officially
began in Columbus in 1985, we’ve seen an amazing re-use of historic
buildings and a new “sense of place” downtown. Main Street
has taken the Downtown Merchants Association under its wing, so now
they’re one entity.
The benefits of adaptive re-use of existing structures are far-reaching.
The inherent restoration and beautification that comes with re-use creates
an attractiveness that appeals to both businesses and visitors. Businesses
may re-locate because of the ideal surroundings, while visitors came
to partake of the charm of the area.
Columbus is a state-wide leader in residential activity in downtown.
Upper floors of many historic buildings now boast beautiful apartments
that offer great livability and convenience for those who want to live
and work in the center of town. There are now 70 downtown apartments,
each an asset to owners who want to
re-coup their investments.
To date, Main Street communities nationwide have generated more than
$5 billion in new investments in their respective towns. Columbus is
fortunate to have good support and a dedicated staff and volunteers
who keep its program active. Among the volunteers who undertake beautification
projects are the Main Street Design Committee, the Garden Club Council
and Master Gardeners. Next on the agenda is the River Walk Project,
which is to be initiated by the Mississippi Department of Transportation.
Worthwhile programs such as those managed by Main Street give visitors
yet another reason to visit this lovely town.
The Arts in Columbus
A grand new example of adaptive re-use in downtown Columbus is the recently
re-furbished Rosenzweig Arts Center, home of the Columbus Arts Council.
The building was loved by many generations of Columbians because it
was the local “dime store,” first McClellans, then McCrory’s.
The building, built in the 1920s, was owned by the Rosenzweig family,
who owned retail stores downtown. Even though the senior Rosenzweigs
have passed on and the children and grandchildren live elsewhere, they
still owned the prime property on the corner of Main and 5th.
The Arts Council had been thinking about and looking for a permanent
home in a prominent location for a couple of years, when local attorney
Dewitt Hicks heard of the search. He contacted his clients, the Rosenzweigs;
the Arts Council followed up with ideas and plans, and the family of
arts patrons agreed in the fall of 1998 to donate their building. The
Arts Council Board graciously accepted the offer, and the Rosenzweig
Arts Center (the RAC) is now a focal point for downtown and the site
for community arts events.
The Columbus Arts Council’s mission is to “present, promote,
and support the arts and arts education,” and that’s exactly
what they do through a presenting arts series, a young people’s
artist series, classes, “Articipation” for children, lectures,
and they have a new gallery in the renovated RAC building to support
and sell the work of local artists.
The Arts Council’s major fund-raiser is an annual auction, held
each spring, as well as many performances throughout the year that encourage
visitors to come to Columbus.
Among the other active arts groups in Columbus are:
