To those down-and-outers who complain, “There’s nothing to do in this place.” Boy! Do I have news for you. Hold on to your hats and expect tons of fun, because Saturday Rocks.

Saturday, Dec. 3 Area Events:

• Liberty Baptist Church Christmas Bazaar & Bake Sale, Hwy 493, Kemper Cty – across from coal plant.

10-4 p.m., Time to buy cakes, pies, candy, cookies all made from scratch by the best bakers in Kemper County, maybe even the entire State, plus visit the Liberty Lunch Counter serving soup, chili, red beans/rice, sandwiches, dessert and drinks. There is a large Resale Shop, plus crafters with amazing collections of Christmas decorations and creative items and as well visit vendors who offer top brand and trendy gifts. There will be two authors included: Dan Talley and Teresa Lynn selling and personally autographing their books. For more info: 601-479-2483 or 601-743-2627

• Northcrest Baptist Church Christmas Open House

9-3 p.m. Vendors and food served. For more info: 601-527-7506.

• Bikers United for Children

10 a.m., The sixth annual Bikers United for Children Toy Run. Registration at Hilton Garden Inn/Northeast Conference Center, 111 Hwy 11/80. For more info: 601-479-5709.

• Merry Museum Youth Workshop at Meridian Museum of Art.

10-11:30 a.m. Bring the kids to experience a true arts experience.

• Stop the Bullying Rally

2:30-4:30 p.m. Skate Odyssey, 3435 North Hills Street, Meridian. Special Guest: Ad Polo

• City of Meridian Christmas Parade

5 p.m. A highlight of the Christmas season located in historic downtown Meridian.

31st Missionary Baptist Church, 3411 20th St., will host “100 & more Ladies in Red.”

5 p.m. Theme: Break Every Chain. For more info: 601-483-1679

• “Peppermint Pops”

7pm Presented by Meridian Symphony Orchestra at MSU Riley Center, downtown Meridian. For more info: 601-693-2224.

“It’s a Wonderful Life”

7:30 p.m. Presented by Meridian Little Theatre, 4334 Hwy 39 North. For more info: 601-482-6371.

Newton County Dec. 3 Events:

• Newton Theatre Company at the Roxy Theatre presents “The Story of The Nutcracker.” This classic Christmas tale is at 7pm and will kick off the City of Newton’s holiday season. For more info: 601-683-2201.

• Whistle Stop Market Place

9-3 p.m. This event is located in Newton, MS at the historic Train Depot. Various vendors and food available plus at 4pm the Kansas City Southern Holiday Tour Train makes an appearance. FREE, for more info: 601-683-2201.

Philadelphia Dec. 3 Event:

• 8 p.m. Country Music Star, Clint Black in concert at the Silver Star Convention Center. For more info: 866-447-3275.

Well, I’m tired just researching the events for Saturday and creating this column to make-you-in-the-Christmas-know. Let me remind you, this is only one day of fun stuff. Much more to come. “Nothing to do?,” as my granny would say, “Malarkey!”

I could inform you that the “Singing Christmas Tree” at Highland Baptist Church will begin on Dec. 8 and the “Oakridge Boys” will be in concert at MSU-Riley Center, Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m., or “Santa’s Christmas Factory” will take place at Soule Steam Works on December 15, but I’ll save the details for these fun events until another time.

It’s important that we support these events. Now no more whining. Put on your Christmas Bells and jingle-all-the-way.

Anne McKee is a Mississippi historian, writer and storyteller. She is listed on the Mississippi Humanities Speakers Bureau. See her website: www.annmckeestoryteller.com.