Celebrate Mississippi’s Arts and Literary Arts this Spring

Celebrate spring by discovering the masterful works of accomplished authors, artists and artisans who call Mississippi home.

Mississippi, known as the most Southern of all states, invites visitors to experience the homes, studios, shops and workshops where Mississippi’s artists and writers create and display their work. From the towns in the foothills of the Appalachians in northeast Mississippi to the spectacular Mississippi Gulf Coast, a tour that is centered on Mississippi’s offerings in the arts and literary arts is one of endless variety and depth.

Here are a few of the special events in March and April.

Tupelo isn’t just the birthplace of Elvis Presley. On March 18-22, Art Rocks Tupelo will swing into town for the second event celebrating visual arts, dance, film and theater, and concerts. 

The 2014 Oxford Conference for the Book is set March 26-28 and is the 21st annual event to celebrate books, reading and writing. It is only fitting that the conference is held each year in the beautiful town of Oxford, Miss., home of Pulitzer Prize-winning author William Faulkner and his beloved residence, Rowan Oak, which is also open to the public.

For those who love fine art as well as artisan crafts, don’t miss the juried Ridgeland Fine Arts Festival, April 5-6, in Renaissance at Colony Park in Ridgeland. This festival was recently named a Top Twenty Event by the Southeast Tourism Society. 

Spring Pilgrimage home tours and related events around the state highlight another aspect of the state’s arts culture: architecture. Enjoy tours in Natchez (March 8-April 8), Columbus (March 28-April 14), Aberdeen (April 4-6), Holly Springs (April 11-13), and on the Gulf Coast (March 25-29).

The 13 Mississippi Welcome Centers will also be hosting special events through the spring season to celebrate the state’s arts and literary heritage – from book signings and poetry readings to art demonstrations and exhibits.

There are many colorful arts festivals all across the state throughout the year. To learn more about artists, artisans, writers, events and interesting places to experience, go to www.VisitMississippi.org, www.mscreativeeconomy.com or call 1.866.SEE MISS.

For more information about top events in Mississippi take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Mississippi.

In Spring, Kentucky Is World’s Equestrian Epicenter

With spring’s arrival, Kentucky emerges as the equestrian epicenter, as horse lovers from around the world converge on the Bluegrass State for thoroughbred racing and sales, the Rolex Three-Day Event and – yes – partying.

First, it’s live racing at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, April 4-25. More than 1,000 acres of manicured grounds provide a pastoral setting for patrons to watch, wager and sometimes win during the spring meet. Grandstand tickets are available at the gate for racing Wednesdays through Sundays, except Easter.

Viewing daybreak workouts at trackside and eating breakfast at the track kitchen with jockeys, trainers and owners are also popular pleasures. You can also attend Keeneland’s auction of 2-year-olds in training set for April 7. These activities are free.

Then, the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington hosts the 2014 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event April 24-27. This year’s event will bring an especially high level of excitement to the horse park as competitors vie not only for $250,000 in prize money but also for places on the national team to represent the U.S. at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) in France this summer.

About 70 horses and riders competing in dressage, cross-country and show-jumping will attract more than 65,000 spectators eager to see who will compose the eventing team at WEG, held every four years and often referred to as the Olympics of equestrian sports. Tickets to the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event are on sale at www.rk3de.org.

On April 12, the focus will expand to Louisville for the opening of the Kentucky Derby Festival, a rollicking community celebration leading up to the 140^th “Run for the Roses”. The kickoff event is Thunder Over Louisville, one of the nation’s largest annual fireworks displays. The three-week-long party also includes the Great Steamboat Race on the Ohio River, April 30, and the colorful Pegasus Parade down Louisville’s Broadway on May 1.

These and many other free Derby Festival events attract some 1.5 million people to celebrate the arrival of spring and the running of the world’s most famous thoroughbred race at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 3. Seats are still available for the Derby at www.kentuckyderby.com.

So get in the horsey spirit and make your way to Kentucky for this spring’s equestrian extravaganza.

For more information about top events in Kentucky take a look at Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Kentucky