Jackson Free Press

Looking for something festive? Then read on, dear reader, and find something to bring out your party mood.

June 30 – July 3
The 25th Annual Mississippi Championship Hot Air Balloon Fest
Canton Multi Purpose Center (501 Soldiers Colony Road, Canton)
Huge balloons will hover in the sky for the four-day festival that features balloon races, balloon glows, two firework presentations, children's activities, food and entertainment. Saturday night is the biggest night with the Balloon Glow, Fireworks and Special Shape Fiesta. The festival is a fundraiser for the Good Samaritan Center Inc. Find more information at http://www.ballooncanton.com.

June 30, 11 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Red, White and Jackson
Smith Park in downtown Jackson
(302 Amite St.)
Enjoy entertainment from Faze 4 and free food.

June 30, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Red, White and Jackson
Old Capitol Museum in Jackson (100 S. State St.)
Pepsi and the Jackson Chamber of Commerce present Red White and Jackson. Everyone is welcome to bring blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy a fireworks display, entertainment by First Baptist Church of Jackson, food vendors, crafts, space jumps, tours of the Old Capitol Museum, reptiles display and more.

July 1, 6-10 p.m.
Celebrate America Balloon Glow and Fireworks
Northpark Mall (1200 E. County Line Road, Ridgeland)
Enjoy live music performances while eating "fair food" and summer favorites such as fried turkey legs, funnel cakes and barbecue. The Mid-Mississippi Balloon Association brings their hot air balloons from Canton to Ridgeland for a balloon glow, and the night ends with a big fireworks show.

July 2. 9 a.m.
Fourth of July Celebration
Mississippi Craft Center (950 Rice Rd. Ridgeland, 601-856-7546)
The event is a tribute to days gone by with activities such as making soap, crafting, Native American dancing, old-fashioned music instruments, stickball and more. Food available for purchase from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Artisans will give demonstrations and sell their goods throughout the day.

July 2, 10 a.m.
Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration
Mississippi Craft Center (950 Rice Road, Ridgeland, 601-856-7546)
Enjoy a picnic on the grounds, craft demonstrations and displays. The Mississippi band of Choctaw Indians dance and play stickball. Hamburgers and hot dogs sold.

July 2, 5:30 p.m.
22nd Annual Family Picnic and Fireworks Extravaganza
200 Soccer Row, Clinton
Fireworks accompanied with great food, live music and activities. $5 parking fee.

July 2, 9 p.m.
Stunna Saturday Fourth of July Kickoff
Freelon's Bar & Groove (440 N. Mill St.)
Birdman hosts the holiday party, which includes music from DJs T. Lewis, Unpredictable and Jonasty. For more information, call 601-502-6884 or 601-624-2835.

July 3, 1 p.m.
Southern Soul Summer Fest
Jackson Zoo (2918 W. Capitol St.)
The Southern Soul Summer Fest includes a big line-up of musicians to entertain all ages: Clarence Carter, Shirley Brown, J. Blackfoot, Lamorris Williams, LJ Echols, Andre Lee, Tina Diamond and Noo Noo. Grills, lawn chairs and tents welcome. Also, see the bike show. Tickets are $20. Children 5 and under admitted free. For information, call 601-352-2581.

July 4, 7:30 a.m.
The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame Watermelon Classic 5K Run/Walk
MS Sports Hall of Fame and Museum (1152 Lakeland Drive, 601-982-8264)
Family friendly race presented by Baptist Health Systems and Pinelake Church

July 4, 10 a.m.
Fourth of July Parade
Broadmeadow United Methodist Church (4419 Broadmeadow Drive, 601-366-1403)
Broadmeadow Neighborhood Association hosts the annual event with a luau theme. Costumes encouraged.

July 4. 7 p.m.
Fourword Progress Music Festival
Suite 106 (106 Wilmington St.)
The theme is "Music Is My Life." Enjoy music from Jackson hip-hop, R&B and soul artists, and shopping from local vendors. Tickets are $4.

July 4, 9 p.m.
Family Fourth Celebration
Liberty Park in Madison (810 Madison Ave., Madison)
Madison's annual Family Fourth Celebration includes live music, watermelon, lemonade and a fireworks display.

July 7, 5-8 p.m.
Fabulous Fondren Freedom Fest
Fondren Building Corner (2906 N. State St.)
Fondren After 5 with a patriotic twist. Children's carnival, space jumps, dunking booth and lots of food. The highlight will be a children's parade with decorated bikes, wagons, and strollers, led by a "second line"' cadre of musicians.