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"CARNIVAL ON THE COAST" MARDI GRAS - MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST STYLE!

"Carnival on the Coast" is an exciting season for the young to the old, locals, & visitors! Elaborately decorated floats throw "treasures" (trinkets like beads, stuffed animals, logoed cups, doubloons, food items called "Moon Pies" and more) to eager bystanders! "Throw Me Something Mister" is a familiar phrase yelled out by on lookers to the carnival "Krewes" on the floats as they pass by hoping to "scoop" up some of these exciting items! On the Mississippi Gulf Coast, there are 23 parades, with Harrison County holding 14 of the Mardi Gras celebrations - the MOST on the Gulf Coast; Jackson County hosts 4 parades & Hancock County 5 parades. The Mardi Gras Season attracts over 450,000 people every year and continues to grow in popularity. Harrison County parades held in Pass Christian, Long Beach, Gulfport, & Biloxi - Mississippi.

In 1908, the Gulf Coast Carnival Association was the first Krewe to parade on the Mississippi Gulf Coast with 17 floats. Today there are 23 parades, a long way from one parade with 17 floats, with each parade having 20 or more floats! In 2005, Hurricane Katrina slowed the celebration, but did not stop the carnival season. The party continued even under adverse conditions with each city holding smaller versions of their parades. With the addition of two new parades in 2009, and in 2011 the Long Beach Carnival Association Parade making its debut as an evening parade, the coast continues "Carnival on the Coast" with the party getting bigger & better every year!

**Awarded American Bus Association (ABA) Top 100 Events 2003!
**Awarded Southeast Tourism Society (STS) Top 20 Winter Event 2010 & 2011!

Upcoming Mardi Gras Dates:

• 2012 - February 21
• 2013 - February 12
• 2014 - March 4
• 2015 - February 17
• 2016 - February 9
• 2017 - February 28
• 2018 - February 13
• 2019 - March 5
• 2020 - February 25
• 2021 - February 16

Mardi Gras Trivia: The March 9th and February 3rd dates are extra special, because those dates only occur once in a lifetime, each occurring roughly once every 100-150 years. The next date of March 9 is the year 2038. The closest many of us will see the Holiday to that date, in our lifetime, was 2000, and will hopefully again in 2011, when Mardi Gras will occur on March 8th. On the other end of the spectrum, Very few of us will see the next February 3 date, which is 2285! February 5th was the earliest this century, which occurred in 2008, the next one that early will be in 2160!

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MISSISSIPPI SURGE HOCKEY LIVE!

 4 for $60 - A Great Family/Friends Deal!
On select dates, you can get all of the following for just $60!
• 4 Game Tickets
• 4 Hot Dogs
• 4 Sodas
• 1 Large Popcorn
Valid ONLY on the following days:
• February 10, 17, 18, 25
• March 16, 17, 24
*Tickets in blue or silver sections only.
Available at box office, online at Ticketmaster.com or by phone at (800) 745-3000.

Live professional hockey on the Mississippi Gulf Coast! Come and experience the excitement of the Mississippi Surge Hockey team as they take on the tough competition!

• February 2, 10, 12, 17, 18, 25, 26
• March 8, 13, 16, 17, 24

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SAIL ABOARD THE BILOXI SCHOONER!

$5 OFF 2.5 Hour Walk-on Sail Admission!
Must present coupon with purchase.
Not valid with any other offer or discount.

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22nd ANNUAL ORANGE GROVE CARNIVAL ASSOCIATION MARDI GRAS PARADE

February 4

Family oriented parade which begins at Harrison Central 9^th Grade, precedes North to Dedeaux Road, then West to Highway 49 to Ashley Drive!  Plenty of throws...and lots of FUN!

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37th ANNUAL OCEAN SPRINGS – ELKS MARDI GRAS PARADE

February 4

Traditionally Mississippi’s first parade of the season! Parade rolls through downtown Ocean Springs. Parade begins on East Beach by the site of the former Ocean Springs Yacht Club, continues through downtown Ocean Springs, and finishes at the Ocean Springs High School. Theme this year - "Let's Go Medieval!"

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4th ANNUAL KREWE OF LITTLE RASCALS CHILDREN MARDI GRAS PARADE

February 4

Children parade with bikes, wagons, shopping carts, walking, skate, or just about anything NON-motorized around the park. Awards given for the best costume and float contest! Sponsored by City of Pascagoula! 

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EXPLORE THE SEASHORE WITH GCRL!

Come explore the seashore with an educational vacation for adults & children...one-of-a kind adventures! Participants explore the rich diversity and dynamic landscape of the Northern Gulf of Mexico coastline and end up with a better understanding of the coastal habitat. Presented by Gulf Coast Research Laboratory Marine Education Center! Check website for complete details on each adventure!  Registering NOW!

• March 9-10 - Insights into Parasites of the Sound
• April 13-14 - Sharks, Shores, and a Whole Lot More
• May 11-12 - We Can Rebuild It - Stronger, Safer, Sustainable
• September 7-8 - Sharks, Shores, and a Whole Lot More
• October 12-13 Phytoplankton and Food Webs
• November 9-10 - Living on Mississippi's Resilient Coast

Registration Required.  Contact:  (228) 818-8889 or Email @ Rebecca.Mathias@usm.edu – Limited spaces available!

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COOKING CLASSES @ LYNN MEADOWS!

Tried of cooking or eating out...well try something new & exciting...learn to cook, then eat what you cooked...all while having FUN!  Get out for the evening...bring a friend, a group, or come by yourself and meet others...just come have a great meal & time!  Dont' forget to bring your favorite beverage!  Registration required & space limited!

• February 14 - "A Valentine's Dinner with Chef Patrick"
Stir up the romance on Valentine's Day...Amorous oyster trio, grilled and truffled asparagus, champagne & parmesan risotto with seared diver scallops, and chocolate mystery!

• February 28 - Good Karma Café' with Chef Maharani Berg
Vegetarian fare: Paneer, Palak Paneer, Puris, Indian style rice, beans & potatoes and Kheer!

• March 6 - "Modern French with a Southern Twist" with Chef Trip
French cuisine: vegetable fritto misto with lemon aioli, Breaded pork scaloppini with braised winter greens, roasted red skin potatoes & whole grain mustard vinaigrette!

• March 13 - Chef Scott with Fatsumo Sushi
Sushi menu consisting of Shrimp Tempura rolls, Spicy Tuna rolls, Fatsumo rolls, Jamaican Me Crazy rolls & California rolls!

• March 20 - Chef Julian Brunt "Gumbo Workshop"
Hands on gumbo class from stock to finish! Learn from one of the best...how to make the best gumbo on the coast! In addition, Chef Julian will sign copies of his book "The Biloxi Seafood Cookbook" available for purchase!

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“GO RED FOR WOMEN”

February 3

Educational seminar & luncheon for women featuring inspirational & informative speakers, breakout sessions, health screenings, and a fabulous lunch! Fasting the night before event required for health screenings! Sponsored by The American Heart Association!

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2nd ANNUAL "THE MARDI GRAS DRAW!"

February 3

Start the Mardi Gras Season off with a "buck"...well many "bucks!" Enjoy a FUNdraising evening featuring a dinner, silent auction, dancing to live entertainment by "Coast" and of course, the DRAWDOWN - worth $4,000! Now you can have a lot of fun with that - "Throw Me A BUCK" please! Don't miss this exciting evening - you could be the lucky winner! Proceeds benefit Sacred Heart Elementary in D'Iberville!

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COMEDY QUEST FRIDAYS!

Calling all "comedians"...think you're funny...well come out and show us what you got! Both seasoned and amateur comedians welcome and are sure to offer a night of laughter! Plan to laugh the night away-hopefully...no...pretty sure...there has to be someone that's funny...just kidding...see laughs already!  So...If you're in the mood for some laughs, GREAT company, and a FUN evening...Come on out...get on stage or just watch the show...just don't miss the FUN! Open to everyone over 21! Cash bar available. Sponsored by the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 5!

• February 3, 10, 17, 24
• March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

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CRIMES OF THE HEART

February 3-5 & 10-12

A tragic comedy about three sisters who reunite at Old Granddaddy's home in Mississippi!  Directed by Keith Gregory! Presented by Gulfport Little Theatre!

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PUBLIC ICE SKATING @ COLISEUM!

Bring your family & friends and come out for FUN on the ice! Ice skating is GREAT exercise & loads of fun for all - skate 90 minutes! Skates Included! Limited to 200 skaters! Attending game not required to skate.

• February 3, 4, 11, 24 - 6:30pm & 9pm
• February 10, 17, 25 - 10pm after the game
• February 12, 26 - 8pm after the game

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RODNEY CARRINGTON

February 3-4

The very funny & famous comedian, actor, writer, and singer - performs live!

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THE GLASS MENAGERIE by Tennessee Williams

February 3-5 & 9-11

Famous play about the major character remembering his past! Directed by Gary Taylor! Presented by Biloxi Little Theatre!

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THE LAST CHANCE BAND!

February 3-4

The "famous" Hancock County based Rock & Roll, Country & Blues band - performs live!

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TRAVIS TRITT

February 3

The famous American country music singer - performs live!

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AARON LEWIS

February 4

Lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and founding member of the rock group Staind - performs live!

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DON EDWARDS

February 4

Singer, guitarist, composer, and historian enthrall audiences worldwide with authentic Western music and a vast knowledge of cowboy history and lore. The richness of this performer's voice coupled with his magical stage presence has made him America's #1 Western balladeer!  Presented by Arts Under the Dome!

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FAMILY MARDI GRAS MASK MAKING @ WAMA!

February 4

Bring the family and come decorate a mask to wear for the Ocean Springs Elk's Mardi Gras Parade! Supplies included...masks, sequins, glitter, feathers, glue! The only thing you need to supply is YOU and the creativity! What a great way to enjoy the festivities!  Great family FUN!

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SATURDAY ART MARKET @ THE MARY C!

Enjoy an open-air market where you can view, browse, & shop for art, pottery, sculpture and more...from artists all across the coast!

• February 4
• March 3
• April 7 

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COASTAL BINGO BENEFITS!

Come out for family FUN...everyone's invited...play B.I.N.Geee...O...Bingo! When was the last time YOU had so much FUN - All Weekend! Held throughout the MS Gulf Coast!

 SATURDAY BENEFIT BINGO!
Proceeds benefit *ARC of the Gulf Coast! *Bench Work Industries providing jobs to adults with intellectual & developmental disabilities.
 Location: 3109 Gulf Avenue, Gulfport
Phone: 228-452-4474
o Early Bird Games - Fun starts @ 10:30am!
o Regular Games @ 11am!

 SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS - WEEKEND CHARITY BINGO!
Sponsored by American Legion Gautier/Vancleave Post #1992
 Location: American Legion Post #1992, 3824 Old Spanish Trail, Gautier
Phone: 228-497-6422
o Saturday Morning Bingo & Breakfast - Fun starts @ 9am!
o Sunday Afternoon Bingo - Fun starts @ 2:30pm!
o Tuesday Bar Bingo - Fun starts @ 6:30pm!
• MONDAY BINGO @ VFW!
Sponsored by The Pass Christian VFW Post 5931!
o Times: 7pm
Location: VFW Post 5931, 400 Clarence Avenue, Pass Christian
Phone: 228-452-4114

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DINING EXPERIENCE @ MARY C!

Are you looking for the most extraordinary opportunity whether visiting or local? Host your own private dinner party for eight to ten people at the IP Culinary Arts Café! You and your guests can do the cooking together while you have a glass of wine or we can arrange for a chef to cook for the group! Watch as one of our many culinary master chefs create a culinary masterpiece while you and your guests sip a cool libation. You and your guests will have a wonderful evening while leaving the mess to us! Bring your family or friends and let us help you plan your party, we do all the shopping...all you need to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy your night out and an exceptional meal! Call our cafe director to book your event in the Cafe (228) 365-1586.

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LIVE ENTERTAINMENT @ HOLLYWOOD CASINO STAGE BAR!

FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS!

Live entertainment featuring some of the area's best bands! For the avid sports fan, there are large display screens throughout, as well as the huge, over-sized, and larger than life H-D sports screen so you will not miss a minute of the action! In addition, you may get lucky and hit a "big one" on the exciting 10-station video poker bar while there! Must be at least 21.

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B. Y. O. BRUSH STUDIO

DAILY

Get out for a FUN evening and explore your creative side! Everyone is invited. No experience required...all you have to do is bring your own personal style and we will do the rest! Everyone has their own canvas and acrylics provided...and best of all...you will leave with YOUR creation!

Click here for a list of classes & descriptions!

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CANVAS & COCKTAILS

Bring your bottle of wine (or favorite beverage) and explore your creative side while having a night out! Art classes structured around a specific theme - with your own personal interpretation! Classes are for beginners as well as seasoned painters...the main objective is to have FUN!  And at the end of each class you will leave with YOUR very own finished masterpiece!

Click here for class dates & descriptions!

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FARMERS MARKETS THROUGHOUT THE GULF COAST!

Weekly local foods farmers markets regularly offer fresh seasonal produce; old-world handmade artisan breads; meats and sausage; artisan cheeses, butter, and cream-top milk; jams, jellies, and pickles made from local foods; cookies and other baked goods; gumbo, tamales, and other prepared foods; plus plants and handmade milk soaps and lotions. Some feature cooking demonstrations, live music, and more!

• WAVELAND FARMERS MARKET
  Location:  628 Highway 90 - (under water tower)
  Open: Year Round - Wednesdays & Saturdays
  Times: 9am-1pm
• THE PASS MARKET
  Location:  War Memorial Park, Highway 90, Pass Christian
  Open: Year Round - Saturdays
  Times: 8am-12Noon
• LONG BEACH FARMERS MARKET
  Location:  126 Jeff Davis Avenue - Downtown Long Beach
  Open: Year Round - Saturdays
  Times: 9am-1pm
• GULFPORT FARMERS MARKET
  Location:  East side of Old Gulfport Library, Beach Blvd, (Across From Gulfport Harbor)
  Open: April-November - Tuesday & Friday
  Times: 6am- 6pm
• BILOXI FARMERS MARKET
  Location:  Under the I-110 Bridge overpass on Howard Avenue, Biloxi
  Open: Year Round - Tuesdays & Thursdays
  Times: 6am-4pm
• D'IBERVILLE FARMERS MARKET
  Location:  10383 Automall Parkway 
  Open: Year Round - Saturdays
  Times: 9am-1pm
• OCEAN SPRINGS FRESH MARKET
  Location:  L&N Depot, 1000 Washington Avenue, Ocean Springs
  Open: Year Round - Saturdays
  Times: 9am-1pm
• JACKSON COUNTY FARMERS MARKET
  Location:  Jackson County Fairgrounds, 2902 Shortcut Road, Pascagoula
  Open: Wednesdays & Saturdays
  Times: 6am-1pm

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YOGA & PILATE CLASSES!

DAILY!

Mention coupon & receive a Drop-In Discount for ONE CLASS or THE DAY!
$50 Package for FIVE Classes!

While on the MS Gulf Coast...want to relax even more? Try yoga! Shanti Yoga & Counseling is an innovative studio dedicated to teaching the art and science of yoga and meditation. "Shanti" in Sanskrit means "peace, calmness, tranquility" - all valuable qualities cultivated through the practice of yoga and meditation. Twenty-two classes a week in the following styles offered: Hot Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Vinyasa Flow Yoga, Zen Meditation, Ashtanga Yoga for life, Beginners Yoga, Zumba, Pilates, weekend workshops, and retreats! There is something for everyone! While here...RELAX even more...on the MS Gulf Coast!

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LIVE RACING @ GULFPORT DRAGWAY!

WEDNESDAYS

Gulfport Dragway is an independent, ¼-mile asphalt-concrete pad drag strip on an elevation of 50 feet!  King of the Hill, Grudge, Test & Tune races are a few of the races held at this track!  Gulfport Dragway is located @ exit 31 off Interstate 10! Go south on Canal Road, cross over the railroad tracks go about one mile, turn left onto Racetrack Road, continue to Gulfport Dragway! 

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WALKING @ SANDHILL CRANE!

TUESDAY - SATURDAY

Enjoy nature at its best with a walk through the Wet Pine Savannah! Enjoy blooming pitcher plants and butterworts, migrating songbirds and all sorts of spring activities in the woods! 

The Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge offers something for everyone...but especially for children - The Junior Refuge Manager Program for 8-12 yr olds, but can be fun for younger or older kids as well! Bring the family, stop by the visitor center and pick up the activity booklet, then walk the trails with your family, do some trail research with them so they become a Junior Refuge Manager! Plan on spending a little time walking the C.L. Dees trail (3/4 mile loop), where refuge staff or volunteers teach about how to use a fire weather kit, offer information on the park and more. Bring plenty of water!  After your walk, participants can choose a prize: water bottles, key chains, backpacks and now, the official Junior Refuge Manager patch! Don't miss this exciting opportunity to spend time outdoors with the family!

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EXHIBITS @ GEORGE OHR!

EXHIBITS @ GEORGE OHR!

Thru-June 2
ALISA HOLEN: CONFLUENCE
Alisa Holen's work is sure to impress you. Her amazing designs are modern and fluid and the contrasting glazed surfaces add even more depth to her forms.
Exhibit @ Mississippi Sound Welcome Center!

Thru-May 28
LOOKING AHEAD: PORTRAITS FROM THE MOTT-MARSH COLLECTION
This exhibition features artwork in a variety of media: drawing, painting, printmaking, photography and sculpture. Several of the works are small, intimate pieces, while other works are larger in scale and domineering in their presence.
Exhibit @ the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Gallery/Gallery of African America Art Gallery!

Thru-June 2
EARTH, SEA & SKY: SOUTHERN CERAMICS FROM THE DOD STEWART COLLECTION
Exhibit @ the IP Casino Resort Spa Exhibitions Gallery!

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BALLROOM DANCING!

FRIDAYS!

Have a "ball" or sit home alone...come join in on the FUN & the latest dance craze - Ballroom Dancing! Shy people become confident, singles find new friends, couples renew FUN! Come enjoy an activity that will have you on your heels! Waltz, Swing, Foxtrot, Rumba &...of course...the Cha-Cha! Everyone's welcome...young or old! Hosted by Amour Danzer!

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COOL BLU ENTERTAINMENT @ TREASURE BAY!

FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS

Come enjoy an awesome tapas lounge, which features some of the area's finest musicians performing live in an intimate setting overlooking the Gulf of Mexico...from high in the sky!

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EDUCATIONAL & FUN PROGRAMS @ GULF ISLANDS NATIONAL SEASHORE!

WEEKENDS!

Enjoy & participate in fun & educational programs held throughout the park each weekend! Programs vary each week! Call for complete details on what is happening this weekend! Don't miss these exciting, hands-on & informative FREE events!

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FREE CONCERTS @ ISLE CASINO HOTEL BILOXI

FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS!

Kick off the weekend with live music each night! Click Here For Who's Playing! 

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STEAK NIGHT FOR OUR VETERAN'S!

FRIDAYS!

Let's support our Veteran's...come enjoy a fantastic dinner while giving back! Enjoy a GREAT Steak dinner, baked potato, salad...served with all the trimmings! Proceeds benefit the VFW - our Veteran's new gathering place!

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TREASURES OF THE BAY!

FRIDAYS!

Food, drink, and local artists displaying local artwork for viewing and purchasing!

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FLEA MARKET @ MENGE

SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS!

The Mississippi Gulf Coast’s largest outdoor flea market offers furniture, arts & crafts, plants, baked goods, concession stand and more! Featured on Turner South’s television shows Junkin’ and 3 Day Weekend!  Antique Trade Days held April & October!

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WINTER CRANE TOURS!

WEDNESDAYS & SATURDAYS!

The Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge offers an excellent place to come & observe wildlife! Due to the sensitivity of both the endangered cranes and the wet pine savanna, visitors are asked to stay in designated open areas. The tours are first come/first serve and RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED! Wear warm clothing and comfortable shoes. Binoculars and scopes are available. The tours are geared towards viewing the endangered cranes, but they are classified as extremely rare birds, so sightings are not guaranteed. The tour is approximately 2 hours.

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LIVE ENTERTAINMENT @ SILVER SLIPPER!

FRIDAY & SATURDAY!

Enjoy live entertainment every weekend @ Stage Bar!

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CLASSES @ MARY C!

Classes for all ages or interests - oil painting, art, drawing, photography, field trips, etiquette & social skills, introductory boat building, creative writing, music, dance, pottery, piano & guitar lessons, cooking & more!

Click here for complete details on all classes, times & admission!

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EXHIBITS @ WAMA!

Thru - April 30

• ONE WORLD, TWO ARTISTS: JOHN ALEXANDER & WALTER ANDERSON
Exhibit features watercolors, oil paintings, and drawings by both artists looking at the same subject matter- the flora and fauna of the Gulf Coast, 50 years apart! Presently jointly by the Ogden Museum of Southern Art & WAMA!

• TRADITION & INNOVATION: AMERICAN MASTERPIECES OF SOUTHERN CRAFT & TRADITIONAL ART
Exhibit features 50 of the finest examples of Southern crafts paired with WAMA's finest examples of Shearwater Pottery! Exhibition organized by South Arts of Atlanta!

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SQUARE DANCING!

Don't be "square" or sit home alone...come join in on the FUN & the latest dance craze - Square Dancing!  Come enjoy a fun activity that will have you on your heels!  So strap on a smile and head on over!  Everyone's welcome...young or old...you will feel as if known the group forever!  Hosted by the Magnolia Swingers Square Dance Club!

• February 3, 17
• March 2, 16, 30
• April 6, 20
• May 4, 18
• June 1, 15, 29
• July 6, 20
• August 3, 17, 31
• September 7, 21
• October 5, 19
• November 16, 30
• December 7, 21, 30 & 31