Events – Magnolia Moms

If You Watched Wonder Woman 1984 on HBO Max, You Watched it Wrong

Emily Hunt — Wed, 30 Dec 2020 07:31:06 +0000

I was so excited about taking my oldest daughter, who’s eight, to see Wonder Woman 1984, but then I read the reviews. It was one negative comment after another and the disappointment set in quickly.

As a little girl that grew up in the early 80’s I remember watching Wonder Woman and wanting to be just like her. When Wonder Woman the movie came out in 2017, it was like I was 8 years old all over again. I was overcome with nostalgia of my childhood. The red and blue suit, the gold arm bands, and the feeling of the ultimate girl power.

I was determined I was going to see the new Wonder Women 1984 movie for myself and decide what my thought was on the movie. But I had to see it on the big screen. Luckily we have an amazing theater in Ridgeland, MS, B&B Theaters, that has been renovated to a state of art facility.

Photo by the Clarion Ledger

If you watched Wonder Woman 1984 on HBO Max, you watched it wrong.

Let me just say that if you watched Wonder Woman 1984 on HBO Max, you watched it wrong. Trust me! We got the opportunity to watch it on a ScreenX and it was like being in the movie. My daughter was mesmerized and I have to admit so was I. You can’t help but be caught up in the surround sound and picture; just the whole experience was unbelievable.

We had the best day at the movies enjoying some popcorn and our favorite Super hero. I encourage you to check your local theater’s safety protocols for Covid-19. B&B has done a wonderful job with sanitizing and making sure social distancing is in place throughout the building. Some theaters even allow you to rent out an entire screening room so your family can enjoy a movie privately.

“Because no matter how small an act of kindness or generosity or simple positivity you put out into the world, it will make a difference.” ~ Wonder Woman

For tips on how to travel during a pandemic check out: Traveling During a Pandemic.

Frozen 2 Trailer is out and Elsa is about to Let It Go!

Emily Hunt — Wed, 12 Jun 2019 01:58:16 +0000

We were late to the Frozen party back in November 2013; my oldest daughter was just shy of her first birthday when the movie first came out. We actually didn’t watch the movie until 3 years later and I have to admit I was a bit puzzled about why Elsa was the star. Seemed to me that Anna was the real hero, but hey what do I know! I thought they were a remarkable sister power team and I loved it!!

Their story of bravery, determination, and that unwavering bond continues in the sequel. I have to admit, Elsa takes her place in Frozen 2. In the original movie she is scared, even ashamed of her powers but not now. Y’all she’s traded in that ice blue crystal gown for some leggins and she’s about to let it all go! Elsa is no longer afraid, she is now determined to find out where her powers came from. The entire team, Anna, Kristoff, Olaf, and Sven, are by her side as they set out on a dangerous but momentous journey.

” We have always feared Elsa’s powers were too much for this world, now we must hope they are enough.” ~ Grand Pabbie. CHILLS!! This is going to be epic! The adventure of a lifetime is coming to theaters November 22, 2019.

Mom of Steel Award Winner: Jennifer Smith

Emily Hunt — Tue, 04 Jun 2019 04:15:27 +0000

If you haven’t been living under a rock, then you know Steel Magnolias just came back out to theaters to celebrate the 30th Anniversary. Such an iconic movie about friendships and motherhood.

Since we love moms here, we couldn’t think of a better way to honor one of our amazing moms on Mother’s Day then with a Mom of Steel Award. We put out a call to our awesome followers asking for nominations of a mom that displayed courage, support, love, and strength. We got so many great letters telling us all about those special moms in your life, but one entry stuck out. When we read Tanya Noble’s letter about her friend Jennifer Smith, of Vicksburg, we knew that Jennifer was the epitome of our Mom of Steel.

“Jennifer is the most extraordinary mother I know. She has not only been a fabulous mom to her children, but also to mine. Jennifer lost two sons, Tyler and Hadyn in a house fire.

Most moms wouldn’t be able to go on. Jennifer has continued to be a pillar of strength. Her faith is unfounded. She held my hand through birth announcements, miscarriage, deliveries, and death. She has been a second mom to my two children and the best mom to her daughter Addyson that was born after losing the boys. She is always there cheering on her daughter and everyone else’s children.

I don’t have the words to describe her in a way for you to understand the type of mother she is. I depend on her more than I should, and she never wavers. When I read this post about moms of steel, I knew Jennifer would be the poster child for this. I don’t know a stronger mother out there. She is definitely someone I strive daily to be more like.” written by Tanya Noble.

We can’t even begin to imagine the strength a mother must have to have to lose not only one child but two and then continue to be a friend and supporter to those around her. Jennifer we are so honored for you to be named our first Magnolia Moms Mom of Steel. Let’s take a play from Jennifer’s playbook and support our fellow mom’s. Thank you Jennifer!

The Insiders Guide to the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race

Rachel Lott — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 23:28:54 +0000

The 33rd Great Mississippi River Balloon Race in Natchez, Mississippi kicks off October 19. The balloon race always reminds me of the start of Fall, not because of cooler temperatures, because that’s a rarity in the South. But, waking up, walking outside and seeing the sky covered in hot air balloons! First you see one or two. Then three and four! As a young girl, born and raised in Natchez, this sight was just magical to me. How in the world did these huge colorful giants float on air?

Friday, October 19, 2018

The festival kicks off on Friday evening at 6:00 p.m. and the first event you can enjoy is the balloon glow on the Bluff at Rosalie. You get to see, up close and personal, how these balloons work. The pilots set up their balloons, and 1-2-3, GLOW! It’s beautiful! Then, the grand finale – fireworks over the Mississippi River! And this is just the first night!

Saturday, October 20, 2018

Saturday is just as amazing. You’ve had a good night’s rest, and now it’s time to head back downtown. Go enjoy brunch at the Natchez Coffee Company or check out the espresso bar at Steampunk Coffee Roasters. Even stop by Fat Mama’s for one of their famous “knock-you-naked” margaritas!

The festival site opens at 11:00 a.m., and music begins at noon. I always love to go down to the festival site, pick our spot and set up our chairs and blankets. Then we grab lunch from one of the delicious food vendors. This is a festival, so of course you can find a funnel cake. Don’t act like you weren’t thinking it! Sit down, eat, relax and listen to the live music. Oh, and you need something to drink? No problem, there are soft drinks, water, beer, and a full-service bar available.

Something that was added a few years ago to the festival is BlufftoberFest. It’s an Oktoberfest biergarten featuring regional and local craft beers. It also has Oktoberfest-esque games and fun. I like to get a beer and watch. It’s totally entertaining!

The arts and crafts area is great to walk through and shop. I have found some of the most unique items I have ever seen. These vendors are from all over the South, so I always walk through to find that one unique item. You will want to be sure to take some time and check it out.

And there is plenty for the kiddos to do as well. A carnival, or as I refer to it as an ‘oh gracious, give me patience’ playground. I really think my children think it was brought for them. From a Ferris wheel to a Tilt A Whirl – it’s there. And yes, look out, your kid CAN come home with a goldfish! We usually grab an adult beverage and watch them ride and ride and ride. Don’t forget to get plenty of tickets!

Around 4:00 p.m., there is an afternoon flight. The perfect place to watch is the festival grounds. Go back to your spot and just wait for the balloons to fly over. Our boys love this! They yell hello to the pilots and they will wave back. They feel so special! See, our boys have been attending the balloon races every year of their lives, just like me. My family has attended every race since inception. If you ask them, they can tell you all about it. Why you should go, where you should sit, what are the hottest toys to buy from the vendors – usually the loudest and brightest toy.

Around 5:30, Irma Thomas, the Soul Queen of New Orleans, will take the stage. She’s a legend. Trust me on this. Take every bit of her awesomeness in. All hail the queen! www.irmathomas.com.

Saturday night, I’m usually exhausted and want to go home – ha! However, that is not the case for pretty much everyone else! The headliner for Saturday night is Anders Osborne. Amazing is an understatement. Rock and rhythm and blues – Check him out www.andersosborne.com. Dance, eat, and then head out to the downtown nightlife in Natchez. You’ll be glad you did!

Sunday, October 21, 2018

You made it! It’s Sunday. To most locals, this is their favorite day. Not because it’s over, but this is Sunday Funday. You went to church, had lunch, changed into your comfy clothes and headed down to listen to the music. Gates open at noon, music begins at 1:00 p.m. An added bonus, is the afternoon balloon flight. Wrapping up an eventful weekend, listening to great music, and watching the beautiful balloons overhead.

Check out www.natchezballoonrace.com. Buy your tickets, book your room, and we will see you the weekend of October 19^th!

Soggy Sweat Craft Beer and BBQ Festival

Emily Hunt — Mon, 10 Sep 2018 15:38:43 +0000

(Jackson, MS) –The Mississippi Brewers Guild (MBG) recently announced the inaugural Soggy Sweat Craft Beer & BBQ Festival is scheduled for Saturday, September 15 at Smith Park in downtown Jackson. The festival, exclusively celebrating craft beer made in Mississippi, will be the first of its kind. A collaborative Czech Style Pilsner brewed for the Mississippi Brewers Guild, Lucille: Drink’em on Down, is perfect for Mississippi summers and will be released at the event. Mississippi Craft Breweries will also create custom beer for the festival with samples available at brewery tents. Soggy Sweat gives beer manufacturers the opportunity to put their own spin on a festival beer with a BBQ element. Local BBQ enthusiasts will also be onsite creating their own delicious BBQ to pair with the newly created beer. Samples of the specialty firkin beer, Lucille: Drink’em on Down, and BBQ will be available until gone.

“We are excited to have the Soggy Sweat Festival where we can solely highlight our Mississippi breweries,” said Matthew McLaughlin, Executive Director of the Mississippi Brewers Guild. “For the past couple of years, we have held different Mississippi Brewers Guild events, however, we are excited to have a branded annual festival. Soggy Sweat gives our state breweries an opportunity to create specialty beers for the event as well as to have their popular brands onsite. It is going to be a great afternoon to enjoy the newly renovated Smith Park, listen to music, sample beer and BBQ, and enjoy Downtown Jackson.”

The name of the festival, Soggy Sweat Craft Beer & BBQ, is derived from the renowned speech given by Judge Noah S. “Soggy” Sweat, Jr., a judge, law professor and state representative about the repeal of prohibition. When asked if he was for or against prohibition and whiskey, he answered candidly about the different sides of alcohol and it’s effects. His speech termed the phrase “if-by-whiskey”.

The Soggy Sweat Craft Beer & BBQ Festival will feature live music by John Causey and the Jason Daniels Band, samples of festival created beer and BBQ, food trucks and beverages. The festival is scheduled for Saturday, September 15, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Smith Park in Downtown Jackson. Advanced tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased at soggysweat.eventbrite.com. Event day tickets are $25 and can be purchased at the gate. Children are free and must be supervised by an adult. Proceeds benefit the Mississippi Brewers Guild. For more information about the Soggy Sweat event, visit facebook.com/mscraftbeer.

The Mississippi Brewers Guild is organized to promote, protect and further, in every lawful manner, the common interests of its members and the licensed brewing industry in Mississippi. The Mississippi Brewers Guild is a Mississippi non-profit corporation and exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(6). The organization is comprised of brewers, vendors, retailers and craft beer enthusiasts focused on promoting Mississippi beer. To learn more about the Mississippi Brewers Guild, visit msbrewersguild.org.

Red Bricks Road Music and Arts Festival

Emily Hunt — Fri, 10 Aug 2018 18:00:19 +0000

The Red Brick Roads Music and Arts Fest, which is held in Old Town Clinton, just may be this summers best kept secret. Magnolia Moms caught up with Mark Jones, Communications Director for the City of Clinton, to find out more about Red Brick Roads and how it got started.

“It’s a celebration of music and arts where local artists and musicians showcase the history and culture of Mississippi.” Jones shared. The festival was started over 5 years ago as a fund raising project for Main Street Clinton and the Clinton Chamber of Commerce. It has grown into a Music Festival that will bring in close to 5,000 festival goers to downtown Clinton this weekend.

Along with over 20 craft beers, Red Brick Roads will feature local singer/songwriters, regional bands, visual and interactive art, food, and more. For the first time, RBR is hosting a home brewers competition. Over 20 brewers will be competing in Red Brick Brew. Be sure to stop by for a taste test and vote on your favorite

Don’t think this is just an event for beer lovers. Red Brick Roads will have something everyone in the family can enjoy, weather is watching an Indie Film, listening to the amazing musicians like John Paul White and Smallpools, enjoying some local BBQ and gourmet Popsicles, or competing in a game of corn hole this festival will not disappoint.

And one of the best things about this family-friendly event, is the wallet-friendly ticket prices. Tickets are just $10 for Friday night, $15 for Saturday, or $20 for a weekend pass. And get this! Children under 10 get in FREE!!!! WHAT?? Yes, FREE!

A few housekeeping things to know: Leave you coolers and pets at home, because they aren’t welcome. Be sure to grab those blankets and chairs for relaxing and listening to some great bands. Shuttles for parking will be available at Kroger in Clinton and The Clinton Baptist Health Plex and will pick up every 15 minutes at each location. More information about Red Brick Road Music and Arts Fest can be found at their website www.redbrickroads.com.

Jones continues, “The festival is just meant to be a fun weekend to enjoy with family and hang out with friends. We want people in the Metro area to see that Clinton is a great place to come have dinner, grab a drink, and visit our amazing local shops. It’s safe, it’s quiet, and it’s a great place to come spend the night and just get away.”

And what better weekend to spend in Clinton then during Red Brick Road Music and Art Fest, enjoying a cold beer, listening to some good ‘ole Mississippi blues, and having some amazing food. See y’all there!