During the “Picnic with Hattie,” a new Hattie History exhibit will be unveiled inside the Hattiesburg Visitors Center.

Throughout the week, VISITHATTIESBURG™ officials hosted events to recognize Hattiesburg’s Tourism Industry workforce and the $233 Million new dollars that visitors deposited directly into Hattiesburg’s local economy. On Tuesday, more than 20 individuals from the tourism industry were honored during a Tourism Partners Luncheon and presented with a Shining Star award, created to applaud those who excel at providing Hattiesburg’s hallmark hospitality to visitors. Tourism Ambassadors from VISITHATTIESBURG™ also “blitzed” Hattiesburg’s Tourism Industry workforce, distributing more than 1,000 ‘thank yous’ to business owners, managers, front line employees and service employees for their role in making tourism an economic engine for Hattiesburg.

For more information on the “Picnic with Hattie,” contact the Tourism Ambassadors at the Hattiesburg Visitors Center at 601.545.4576. The Hattiesburg Visitors Center is conveniently located at the intersection of Highway 49 and Interstate 59 and is open to the public Monday – Saturday 9am-4pm.

-Hattie

This year marks 36 seasons of HCLO performances in the Pinebelt. With talented cast members, crews and volunteers, “The Producers” is sure to entertain audiences of all ages.

Showtimes are Thursday, May 10—Saturday 12 at 7:30pm and Sunday, May 13 at 2pm . Tickets are available by calling the Saenger Theater Box Office at 601.584.4888 or online at www.HattiesburgSaenger.com.

For more information on HCLO and to see a complete cast list, visit www.HCLO.org.

- Hattie

Guests of the Birthday Bash will be the first to experience the new Petting Zoo located inside the Zoo’s African exhibit. With this new attraction, guests will be able to touch and feed some of the domesticated animals found on the African continent, such as baby Nigerian dwarf goats and African sheep. Also to be revealed during the Birthday Bash is the addition of a new Mining Sluice sponsored by Parris Jewelers that will allow guests to pan for rubies, emeralds and other gems.

Throughout the Birthday Bash, mini celebrations will take place at each of the Zoo’s four continent locations which include South America, Africa, Asia and North America’s Mississippi Habitat. At noon, the headline celebration will feature Mississippi Miss Hospitality Ann Claire Reynolds who will lead the crowd in singing “Happy Birthday” to the Zoo. In addition, Education Curator Krissy Hamilton will provide a special presentation with the Zoo’s education animals and birthday cake will be provided for all Birthday Bash guests.

The Hattiesburg Zoo’s regular admission prices will apply for the Birthday Bash: $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 2 through 12, and free for children under 2.

Put your party hat on and get ready to “Party Like an Animal” at the Hattiesburg Zoo!

- Hattie

The City of Hattiesburg Concert Band is an all-volunteer community band that serves the Hattiesburg area. Made up of musicians from Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama, the Band consists of talented musicians who enjoy sharing their love of music with the public.

For more information on this performance, contact the Hattiesburg Saenger Theater Box Office at 601.584.4888.

- Hattie

Known for their family-friendly musicals, American Family Theater is no stranger to Hattiesburg or the Saenger Theater stage.  They have entertained Pine Belt audiences with classic favorites such as A Christmas Carol, Babes in Toyland, Beauty and the Beast, and Pinocchio. On Saturday, March 24, they will once again captivate young and old as they bring The Wizard of Oz to life through animated characters and enchanting sets.

Established in 1969 with the goal of bringing high quality live theater to venues across the United States, American Family Theater performs on more than 300 stages each year delivering wholesome entertainment to audiences of all ages.  Presenting childhood tales in 330 cities across the United States and Canada, they also deliver performances abroad in places such as India, Taiwan, Australia and Singapore.

Tickets to The Wizard of Oz are $10 and $12 and may be purchased online at www.HattiesburgSaenger.com or by calling the Saenger Theater Box office at 601.584.4888.

-Hattie

With more than 20 years of performance experience, Branson on the Road is a regular featured act on the national television show, “Midwest Country” which airs on the RFD-TV network. Branson on the Road is a one-of-a-kind traveling road show that delivers live music and amusing comedy to audiences of all ages, guaranteeing good, clean fun and entertainment reminiscent of the glory days of the famous Louisiana Hayride and Grand-Ole Opry.

Branson on the Road performers include Debbie Horton, Donnie Wright and Brian Capps. The only woman to have played lead guitar for the great Johnny Cash, Debbie Horton is a writer and entertainer whose songs have been recorded by country singer Norma Jean and others. She has performed on the Louisiana Hayride, Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree in Nashville and has hosted her own show at the Boxcar Willie Theater in Branson.

Donnie Wright is a much sought-after musician and arranger whose versatility on the fiddle, mandolin, guitar, banjo and bass has entertained audiences in Branson for 40 years. Among his long list of credits are performances at The Grand-Ole Opry in Nashville, The Presley’s Show in Branson, The Pine Mountain Jamboree in Eureka Springs, and a long-standing run at The Golden Nugget in Las Vegas.  On the upright bass is performer Brian Capps whose songs are thought to be reminiscent of Marty Robbins and Hank Williams. Co-founder of the country music group, the Domino Kings, Capps’ latest recording reached the Top 10 on the Americana Charts and is now played regularly on XM Radio.

Showtime is 3pm on Saturday, March 10. Tickets to Branson on the Road are $15 and $18 and may be purchased online at www.HattiesburgSaenger.com or by calling the Saenger Theater Box office at 601.584.4888. Group rates are also available for groups of ten or more. Call the Saenger Theater for more information.

The Historic Saenger Theater is a Hattiesburg Convention Commission Facility. Since 1991, the Hattiesburg Convention Commission has been operating and developing tourism-related facilities for the Hattiesburg area.

Round up your inner circle of friends or pencil in a date night for this most memorable evening!

Tickets are $5 / $7 and may be purchased online at HattiesburgSaenger.com or by calling the Saenger Theater Box Office at 601.584.4888.

Additional upcoming events at the Historic Saenger Theater:

Branson, Missouri is coming to Hattiesburg! In Grand-Ole Opry-style, you can enjoy classic country, hilarious comedy, bluegrass, rockabilly, gospel and more! Using the unique sounds of the fiddle, mandolin, guitar, banjo and upright slap bass, you’ll hear great songs you already know and love!

Showtime: 3pm
Tickets: $15 / $18

They’ve brought us Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Pinocchio and other favorite classic fairy tales - this spring, American Family Theater returns to the stage of the Hattiesburg Saenger Theater with The Wizard of Oz! American Family Theater performs award-winning productions in more than 300 venues annually, bringing timeless classics to life through the magic of live, on-stage theater.

Showtime: 3pm
Tickets: $10/$12

Born and raised in Hattiesburg, Charles Brown is a graduate of L.J. Rowan School, class of 1958. Following graduation, he served as a staff sergeant in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. During one occasion, Brown and his men aided two U.S. companies that were surrounded by North Vietnamese forces. The trapped companies had experienced more than 100 casualties when Brown endangered himself to rescue wounded soldiers. In response to his bravery and leadership during the Vietnam War, Brown earned two Bronze Star medals and a Purple Heart medal.

In 1994, Brown was honored as Hattiesburg’s very first Veteran of the Year. He has partnered with the University of Southern Mississippi History Department on numerous projects to educate students about the experiences of Vietnam veterans, and has traveled to Vietnam as part of the University’s first In-Country Study Course. It was because of Brown’s extensive involvement with the University that he became involved in the History Channel’s documentary on the Vietnam War. Dr. Andrew Wiest, a nationally recognized Vietnam War historian and professor at the University of Southern Mississippi, pitched Brown’s story to the History Channel. “They asked my opinion about who should be featured in the documentary, and I told them about Charles Brown. The History Channel loved the idea, and the rest is now history.”

Throughout the month of February to commemorate Black History Month, the African American Military History Museum will feature a display of Brown’s military memorabilia, as well as provide on-going showings of the segment of Vietnam in HD that tells Mr. Brown’s Vietnam War experience through reenactments and up-close interviews. The temporary exhibit will feature photos, medals, plaques, and other insignia that speaks to Brown’s military experience and valor.

With focus on the Vietnam War-era, the Museum will also offer special programs throughout the month of February. Each Saturday at 11am, the public is invited to hear special presentations by local Vietnam veterans, including SGT Henry Bethley, SGM Ralph Lindsey, SFC T.J. Gordon and SFC Charles J. Brown. Guided tours and light refreshments will also be available.

Also, on Saturday, February 11 at 3pm, the African American Military History Museum will host a Book Talk and Signing with Darthy Patton-Johnson, author of “Life’s a Journey,” and “Consequences: Murder on the Air Force Base.” Johnson is a native of Columbia, Miss. and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force in 1978. Since, she has led a very courageous and successful military career, including her most recent position with the Air Force Assault Response Coordination Office at the Pentagon.

The African American Military History Museum is located at 305 East 6^th Street in Downtown Hattiesburg and is opened Tuesday – Saturday 10am-4pm. It’s the perfect way to spend a day with your family! When you go, tell them Hattie sent ya!

-Hattie

Hattiesburg is the perfect place for those “one-of-a-kind” finds…from architecture to literature and live entertainment venues, Hattiesburg is home to several unique treasures. Below are a few of my favorites, but there are so many more!

Saenger Theater featuring Robert Morton Pipe Organ - The theater boasts a 778-pipe Robert Morton Pipe Organ which was designed specifically for the Saenger’s acoustics. After leaving the Saenger upon its closure in the 1970’s, the Organ traveled to three different owners before making its way back to the Saenger in the 1980’s as one of the only Robert Morton Organs in the country that still sits in its original position. The sounds coming through the pipes are made from actual instruments located in the Organ’s operating system. There, you can find symbols, clarinets, tubas and other full-sized instruments. It is such a rare Organ that only a handful of musicians from across the state are able to correctly play the Saenger’s organ.

De Grummond Children’s Literature Museum, USM Campus - The world’s largest collection of original manuscripts and illustrations of children’s literature.  The collection holds pieces from more than 1,200 authors and illustrators and houses over 100,000 published books. The oldest piece in the collection dates back to the year 1530. The museum’s most celebrated collection includes all of the original drawings of Curious George.

“The Spirit That Builds” Mural, Hattiesburg Library - Suspended 30-feet in the air, the Mural is 167 feet around and 10 feet high. If unfolded, it would be comparative in length to a football field. The Mural is a visual saga of Hattiesburg’s history from the American Indians to modern times. The mural took three years to finish and each stroke was painted by hand onto sandblasted stainless steel by USM art professor William Baggett and many of his art students.

All American Rose Garden, USM Campus - The All American Rose Garden features more than 750 award-winning rose bushes and contains various types of hybrid roses, three of which come each year as brand new hybrids to trial at Southern Miss. Many biologists and botanists come from all over the world just to study the roses found here.

The Train Depot, Downtown Hattiesburg - In continuous use since it first opened in 1910, the Depot is one of the largest and most elaborate surviving passenger depots in MS. Originally, it was noted for its 924-foot canopy which was the building’s most architecturally significant feature because it was nearly three city blocks long. While it was partially removed in 1958, the canopy still stands as part of today’s Depot.

Hattiesburg Zoo - Houses one of the biggest alligators captured in the state, weighing in at 12 ½ feet and 750 pounds (roughly the weight of a grand piano). The alligator, named Jacque, is estimated to be 50-60 years old, and was rescued wild from the MS River.

Longleaf Trace - The Longleaf Trace is a Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Project and a designated National Recreation Trail. It runs atop a stretch of the original MS Central Railroad line which has been converted into a paved walking, biking, and equestrian trail. It is the longest Rails-to-Trail in the south central United States, spanning more than 41 miles in length

African American Military History Museum - Houses the country’s most complete set of Spanish American medals, belonging to Buffalo Soldier Berry Neal. The AAMHM is housed in the country’s only remaining public USO buildings built specifically for African American soldiers

Armed Forces Museum, Camp Shelby - The official military museum of the State of Mississippi, the museum houses more than 6,000 artifacts covering every war & conflict involving the United States. A large vehicle display fronts the museum, housing vehicles actually utilized in battle including tanks and helicopters.

The Freedom Summer Trail - Freedom Summer activities of 1964 were based out of Hattiesburg, some of which made national headlines and are still revered today. Through an audio tour, visitors can hear first-hand accounts at each of the 16 historical sites - for example, hear the daughter of Vernon Dahmer as she recounts witnessing the death of her father who was killed protecting his family as their home was destroyed by a firebomb in 1966.

I hope you will visit Hattiesburg soon and find your own “one-of-a-kind” treasures in my City!

-Hattie

The excitement in Hattiesburg doesn’t plan to slow down anytime soon! With events lined up through the next year, 2012 will be the best yet! Below are some upcoming events that you will want to have on your calendar…
Black History Month at the African American Military History Museum: Throughout February, the museum will be focusing on local Vietnam Veterans. Every Saturday throughout February at 11am, the Museum will host Vietnam War Veterans to share their stories. A special exhibit showcasing artifacts from the Vietnam War will also be on display in the Museum lobby.

Coca-Cola Classic Rodeo: The Greatest Show on Dirt returns to the Forrest County Multi Purpose Center on February 17-18! For more information, visit www.forrestcountycenter.com.

New Adventures at the Hattiesburg Zoo: “A Family Affair” will be a unique way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your entire family at a great price! Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for children and will include a meal, animal encounters, train and carousel rides, as well as a program themed around LOVE in the Animal Kingdom! And right around the corner is the Hattiesburg Zoo’s 62nd birthday! Join your favorite animals for the annual Zoo Birthday Bash on Saturday, April 14 and be among the first to experience exciting new additions that will be unveiled that day!

Events at the Saenger Theater: Once again, the Historic Saenger Theater brings a full lineup of family friendly, crowd pleasing live entertainment events. Branson, Missouri is coming to Hattiesburg on Saturday, March 10! In Grand-Ole Opry style, you can enjoy classic county, hilarious comedy, bluegrass, rockabilly, gospel and more! American Family Theater will also return to the Saenger stage on March 24 with their production of The Wizard of Oz!

Downtown Hattiesburg is Buzzing: Your favorite annual and seasonal downtown events will return in 2012! On March 31, the streets of Historic Downtown will transform into one of Hattiesburg’s favorite Spring traditions—HUBfest! And in April, Live@Five Concert Series and the Farmers and Artisans Market returns to Town Square Park. This year’s Spring Art Walk brings with it an exhibit featuring Walter Anderson! During the month of April, “The Secret World of Walter Anderson” will be on display at the Hattiesburg Train Depot. This exhibit will be the focal point of Spring Art Walk - set for Saturday, April 14 from 4-9pm.

Be ready, the fun is headed our way! For a full list of upcoming events in Hattiesburg, visit Hattie’s Calendar at www.VisitHattie.com. Check us out on facebook and follow us on Twitter (@HattieHardy)!

-Hattie