Submitted photosSole Travelers

Creative works by local and regional artists in a variety of mediums will be showcased at the 14th Annual Threefoot Arts Festival.

Sponsored by the Meridian Council for the Arts, the festival is scheduled for April 1, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at City Hall Lawn.

“It is our goal to nurture artistic expression by proving an opportunity for artist to share and sell their work; to educate the public about the creative efforts of artists; and to add a cultural climate in our community, state and region,” says Zena Limerick, Threefoot Festival chair.

Works by artists and crafters from across the region will be available for purchase – pottery, paintings, jewelry, quilts and much more. The festival also will feature a juried art competition, food vendors, free children’s hands-on art activities, a student art show and competition sponsored by Meridian Museum of Art and other fun activities.

This year’s entertainment promises to delight all ages, according to festival organizers.

Magician Todd Smith takes the stage at 10 a.m. Smith is recognized for entertaining his audiences not only with magic, but also with his Southern humor and storytelling.

And for those who love music, this year’s Threefoot Arts Festival will feature artists whose sounds will please every ear, said Laura Carmichael, who leads the Cultural Affairs initiatives for the city of Meridian and serves as the executive director for the Meridian Council for the Arts.

The Sole Travelers from Atlanta, Ga., will perform a blend of Southern Americana, blues, musical virtuosity, great tunes, and powerful performances. Drawing from a pool of original tunes, works by great songwriters such as John Hiatt, Willie Dixon and other favorites from and around the South, Sole Travelers deliver a tasty repertoire.

Also returning this year are Mississippi favorites the Terry Poole Project and Nellie Mack featuring Lady L.

The children’s activities theme is “Under the Big Top” and will feature a carousel of art activities, including hands-on crafts, a symphony instrument petting zoo, make-and-take crafts, inflatables and much more.

The works of young artists from Meridian Public and Lauderdale County schools will be on display during the Youth/Art Photography Contest sponsored by Meridian Museum of Art. And the MCC Ballerinas will grace the stage with beautiful performances and story ballet. Food lovers will enjoy funnel cakes, gumbo, po’boys, footlong sausage dogs, hamburgers, corn dogs, nachos, pizza, lemonade, snowballs, Philly steak, fish, homemade baked goods and more.

“And, don’t forget those famous Threefoot Bloody Mary’s and Mimosas,” Carmichael said. “They are always a crowd favorite.”

Joining the festival again this year is the popular Earth’s Bounty Festival, which kicks off at 8 a.m. and ends at 1 p.m. Locally grown produce, canned goods, baked goods, plants, goat milk soap, sausages, honey and much more will be featured.

“Fresh strawberries are always a huge hit at the festival, so taste fun recipes and smoothies – and take some home, too,” Carmichael said.

Earth’s Bounty continues on the first Saturday of each month in May at the regular Singing Brakeman Park location.

The Threefoot Arts Festival is funded in part through grants and contributions from the Mississippi Arts Commission and the Lauderdale County Tourism Bureau.

And, Carmichael notes, “A project of this magnitude would not be possible without the many community sponsors.”

Supporters for this year are Lauderdale County Tourism, Regions Bank, Structural Steel, Bud Light, Citizens National Bank, Brickhaus and the Mississippi Arts Commission.

Anyone interested in a Threefoot artist booth or Earth’s Bounty booth should contact the city of Meridian’s Community Development Department at 601-485-1944, or visit www.meridianarts.org.