Next weekend promises to be a grand time at the MAX. Well, as grand as any time at the MAX tends to be.

 

But this go round, it’s mainly about the wonders of nature combined with the enjoyment of art.

 

First off, from 8 a.m. to noon. in the courtyard of The MAX, at 2155 Front Street, visitors will be able to find the Earth’s Bounty Farmers’ Market. If fresh produce, artisanal goods and regional flavors are of interest, shoppers will get the opportunity to meet up with local farmers and artisans at this farmers’ market. There will also be live music, kids’ activities and seasonal demonstrations. Residents can pick up some homemade goods, local produce and live plants to take home.

 

This goes hand-in-hand – and at the same time – with the “City of Meridian’s Art Farm,” where local artists will show off their creations. Visitors will find pottery and handcrafted items for sale there.

 

This art event used to coexist with the Earth’s Bounty Festival in front of the Railroad Museum. But it’s been a few years since it was held.

 

“Earth’s Bounty Festival customers enjoyed that experience [with the art event] and since we have moved to The MAX, we thought it was a great time to bring the art experience back,” said Craig Wilkes of Meridian Community Development. “The Art Farm is a juried show for semi-professional and professional artists only. We do not allow resales or commercial craft products.

 

“We had our first one in April 2025 and got a great response. We started small, as there is always a learning curve, but we will have four to five artists for May, with more scheduled for June.”

 

Wilkes said organizers have plans to keep growing. “We would like it to become as big as possible, as our area has a healthy artist population and we can draw talent from the surrounding area, too,” he said. “Plus, as we tie into The MAX, where they celebrate all arts of Mississippi, it’s a perfect place to grow.”

 

Wilkes is counting on both art and nature lovers to show up – and even sign up for a future event if they want to become a participant.

 

“The Earth’s Bounty Festival draws a big crowd,” he said. “It’s a great way to get your name and art out to the public, and the cost is minimal, but the rewards are great.”