By Staff
April 22, 2001
Promoters are trying a different approach this year to sell the idea behind the Jimmie Rodgers Festival, set for May 3-5. In short, they are pulling out all the stops in an effort to breathe new life into an event that, frankly, had become a little stale.
Promotions include a Jimmie Rodgers look-alike riding the rails on Amtrak trains to call attention to the event.
As a supporter of local arts and entertainment, The Meridian Star hopes some of Amtrak's passengers can be persuaded to drop by. We also hope local citizens turn out to support the Jimmie Rodgers Festival.
Readers are reminded that standing room only tickets are $10 each night with a $1 service fee. They may be purchased at Good Vibrations, Music Emporium, Sound Shop or the Lauderdale County Tourism Bureau.
A limited number of VIP tickets is also available for each night. They may be purchased at the Lauderdale County Tourism Bureau for $20. VIP ticket holders will be guaranteed a table and seats as well as complimentary hors d'oeuvres prior to the show.
The event's format this year has been widened to appeal to more people and a wider range of musical interests. We hope the "country blues, Cajun rock n' blues, mountain songs, dirt road country," and  dare we say it an edge toward "rock n' roll" all contribute to the event's success.
The 2001 Jimmie Rodgers Festival offers an excellent opportunity for all of us to enjoy entertainment in Meridian.
Along those same lines, the Jimmie Rodgers Foundation is accepting entries for its annual youth and adult talent competitions.
Preliminaries of the adult talent competition will be held May 4. Finals will be held May 5. Competition is open to contestants age 15 and above. Solo vocalists, instrumentalists and groups may enter. All entries must be received by April 27; a $30 entry fee is required. In addition to prizes traditionally awarded, the overall adult winner will receive a $300 cash prize.
The youth talent show will be held May 5 with the following age divisions: 3-5, 6-8, 9-11 and 12-14. Single vocalists, instrumentalists and groups are encouraged to enter. An entry fee of $25 will be charged and participants must register by April 27.
The 2001 Jimmie Rodgers Talent Competitions will be held at Bonita Lakes Mall.
For information, call Barbara Watson at (800) 396-5882, or (601) 693-5054 after 5 p.m. Entry forms are available at the Lauderdale County Tourism Bureau at 212 21st Ave.
And, remember the dates of the 2001 Jimmie Rodgers Festival, May 3-5.