PICAYUNE – The art, history and music of the past will be celebrated at the ninth annual Piney Woods Festival at Mississippi State University’s Crosby Arboretum in Picayune.

The Nov. 18-19 festival is an opportunity for attendees to have fun while learning about the early days of the Piney Woods region.

“The arboretum provides the perfect setting for learning about arts and heritage crafts,” said Patricia Drackett, the arboretum’s director. “We want to preserve those arts by providing an engaging and interactive event.”

Preregistered school groups will visit from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Nov. 18. The cost is $2 per child, and the admission is waived for teachers, chaperones and bus drivers. The general public is invited to attend Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The general admission is $2 for children and $5 for adults.

On Nov. 18, demonstrations of doll making, blacksmithing, and basket making will entertain school groups. Live music and performances of bluegrass music, dulcimer playing and square dancing will be featured Nov. 19 for the general public. Guests can enjoy exhibits on and demonstrations of woodcarving, spinning and beekeeping on both days.

“We are encouraging school and home school groups to register as soon as possible for this event,” Drackett said. “We still have time slots available and a whole host of educational activities school-age children will enjoy.”

MSU’s Crosby Arboretum is located in Picayune at 370 Ridge Road. Take Exit 4 off Interstate 59.

To learn more or to pre-register a school group, call the arboretum at (601) 799-2311.

Writer: Karen Templeton