Jackson Free Press

Hip hip hooray! It is almost summer time! It seems that everyone has caught spring fever and is ready to get out and about for some good times here in the City with Soul. Also, a lot of us are counting down the days until summertime arrives--I know I am, and so are many of my teacher friends.   The next couple of weeks is jammed packed with lots of activities for all ages. On Thursday, April 25, the Mississippi Museum of Art will host a benefit for the non-profit after-school program Operation Shoestring. Texas rockers Mingo Fishtrap, Chelsea Crowell, and Jackson's own Scott Albert Johnson and Chalmers Davis will perform at this year's event. The show starts at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are only $20.

Founded in 1968, Operation Shoestring helps hundreds of children and families in the Jackson area with everything from after-school tutoring to life-skills workshops and professional training for adults. This organization is very dear to my heart, so please come out and support such a great cause. For more information about this event, or to learn more about Operation Shoestring, visit operationshoestring.org.

On Saturday, April 27, I am super excited about Jackson Streets Alive, on Congress Street, between Yazoo Street and East Amite Street. In the Streets Alive movement, cities nationwide close down streets in their downtown areas and promote open areas, where people can ride their bikes, skateboard, walk, dance, etc., as well as support active living. Take part in interactive games such as a jump rope competition, bean bag toss and kickball relay races. The Jackson Bike Polo teams and the Magnolia Roller Vixens roller derby team will be on hand to present demos to the crowd. Free fitness classes at the Smith Park stage, such as yoga, Zumba, Pilates, bellydancing and hula hooping, will be offered to the public too. As if that wasn't enough to entertain you, Jackson's favorites will perform at the intersection of Congress Street and Capitol Street. Bands such as Mark Roemer, AJC and The Envelope Pushers, Buddy and the Squids, Cody Cox and 5th Child, and The Southern Komfort Brass Band will entertain the crowd. The event is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free to the public. Volunteers are still needed to help out so if you're interested, email  [email protected]  to find out how you can help. Tell your friends and family members about it, and let's make downtown Jackson one big playground!

I am really excited to announce that Jackson will get to host yet another parade, so parade krewes, go ahead and start preparing for this one too. Mark your calendars for Jackson's first annual event, the Cinco de Mayo Mississippi Festival, which will take place Saturday, May 4, starting at 11 a.m.

The festival promises to be fun-filled, with everything from Charro Mexican Rodeo cowboys to ethnic Mexican food. The event will have a great lineup of music. The headliners of the event are Mississippi's own Bobby Rush and renowned Spanish superstar Bobby Pulido. Zac Craven, Latinismo, and Lurry Sigue and the Creole Stompers, as will several dance groups. The event will take place at Capitol and Congress Streets, and Smith Park. Admission to the festival will be $10 in advance and $15 at the gate. For more information, visit cincodemayomississippi.com.

I hope to see you out and about in the next few weeks--just remember, summer is just around the corner!