By By Steve Gillespie / staff writer
October 20, 2002
Meridianites shouldn't be surprised if they bump into a lot of state leaders in their hometown next weekend.
Mississippi legislators and other officials have been invited here to celebrate existing projects and drum up support for the future.
Dubbed "Meridian in the Limelight," Connie Royal, cultural affairs coordinator for the city of Meridian, said dignitaries will be shown the city's emergence as a statewide and regional arts center. She said about 12 to 15 legislators, besides the local delegation, have already confirmed that they are coming.
The weekend will begin Friday with a free concert and dance for the public at Dumont Plaza in downtown Meridian from 8 p.m.-midnight. Food and beverage vendors will be on site.
Music will be provided by two bands from Jackson, The Capital City Stage Band and The Bluz Boys.
The Capital City Stage Band is a 24-piece band that plays jazz, swing, Latin dance and show music. The Bluz Boys play mostly 1960s rhythm and blues and soul from artists like Sam and Dave, Otis Redding, James Brown, Wilson Pickett and Aretha Franklin.
Saturday's schedule for visitors will include tours of Hope Village for Children, the Grand Opera House, the Southern Arts and Entertainment Center site at Bonita Lakes, the Meridian Museum of Art, the Around Town Carousels Abound public art displays and other locations.
State Rep. Greg Snowden, R-Meridian, said the weekend will be a good opportunity for legislative leaders to get a "first-hand and up-close look" at Meridian and Lauderdale County.
The weekend is being hosted by the Lauderdale County Legislative Delegation, the city of Meridian, the Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors, the Lauderdale County Tourism Bureau, the East Mississippi Business Development Corporation, the Southern Arts and Entertainment Center and Mississippi State University.