Jackson Free Press

The annual Celebrate America Balloon Glow event kicks off the Fourth of July weekend festivities tonight at Northpark Mall in Ridgeland featuring food, games, a hot air balloon glow, country music stars Candy Coburn and Tracy Lawrence, followed and ending with the annual fireworks display. The free event begins at 6 p.m.

The Mississippi Championship Hot Air Balloon Fest continues at the Canton Multipurpose Center through Sunday. The free four-day event includes balloon races, a chance to see the balloons up close, balloon glows, a meet-and-greet with the pilots, a Special Shape Fiesta, skydivers, food, fireworks and entertainment. The festival is also a fundraiser for The Good Samaritan Center. Visit http://www.ballooncanton.com for a schedule of events.

If you're looking for something that isn't holiday related, check out the Food Film Showcase tonight at The Auditorium, 6 p.m. The Mississippi Film Office, Mississippi Arts Commission, Mississippi Humanities Council and Barefoot Documentary Film Workshops present a showcase of films made by local filmmakers Carol Anderson, Susan Dobbs, Anna Kline, Sarah McCollough, Mary Margaret Miller, Nina Parikh and Diane Williams. The films feature Jackson restaurants including Peaches Restaurant, Campbell's Bakery and Bill's Greek Tavern. There will also be food and drinks available, and music by Angela Walls at 7:30 p.m.

On Saturday, stop by the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum (1150 Lakeland Drive) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a Fourth of July Celebration featuring carousel, pony and train rides. Ice cream and watermelon, hot dogs and hamburgers will be available for purchase; $5, $4 for seniors 60 and over, $3 for children 5 to18, $2 for children ages 3 to 4.

Afterward, head to Traceway Park (200 Soccer Row, Clinton) for the "21st Annual Family Fireworks Extravaganza" featuring music from Braden Gray and Crossin' Dixon as well as music, activities for the kids and, of course, fireworks.

Saturday, The Jackson Zoo will hold "Zoo Blues," a five-hour blues music festival hosted by Deuce McAllister and presented by A Few Good Men. The festival kicks off at 3 p.m. with music by performers Mel Waiters, Grady Champion, Reggie P, Andre Lee, Kenne Wayne and Noo Noo. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25-$30 at the gate; $12 for children, 12 and under, $5 parking at Parkside Place entrance. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster and BeBop Record Shop.
On Sunday, begin your holiday with the 3rd annual Old House Depot July 4th Party (639 Monroe St.) and see a free concert by Horse Trailer from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Afterwards, head to F. Jones Corner for the birthday party for favorite local blues singer Jackie Bell. Performers include Norman Clark and the Smokestack Lightning Band, Hollywood, The Amazin' Lazy Boi, The Rock and many more. Want more entertainment options? Check out the JFP Music Listings. Visit the JFP's Best Bets for more Fourth of July events.
Visit the Events Calendar to see a complete listing of community and JFP sponsored events.