This January offers meaningful and culturally rich events, as if aiming to top the recent holiday season. A multi-day celebration of the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., the Original KingFest, stands out as a hallmark of the year, not just January. Other must-do activities include a conversation with a renowned author, a fundraiser chili cook-off with live music, and a program about winter in the wetlands.
As always, be sure to check with sponsoring organizations about event details, policies for participation, and possible schedule changes. Here are highlights for a January that refuses to be bleak.
Coffee and Conversation with Patrick M. Oliver
Patrick M. Oliver is a nationally renowned literary and education consultant who will be at the Blue Indigo Coffeehouse this Saturday. He has made a mission out of empowering others by advocating reading and writing. Not surprisingly, Mr. Oliver is an author and editor; he also happens to be a radio show host.
- Saturday, January 12, 2019, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
- Indigo Blue Coffeehouse at 212 West Barraque Street in PB
For more information, contact Indigo Blue Coffeehouse at 870-718-5330 or visit their Facebook page.
35th Annual Original KingFest
This Original KingFest is the 35th annual celebration and commemoration of Martin Luther King, Jr., sponsored by the Pine Bluff Interested Citizens for Voter Registration (ICVR).
- January 15 through January 21, 2019, with key events on January 20 and 21. January 17: Deadline for parade entry applications
- January 20 at 6:00 p.m.: Justice Sunday Commemoration with Willie Roaf as the speaker; held at Family Church located at 2309 South Poplar Street in PB.
- January 21 at 1:00 (line-up) or 2:00 p.m. (start): Original KingFest Parade starting at the Courthouse
For more information on all Original King Fest events, contact Pine Bluff Interested Citizens for Voter Registration (ICVR) at pbicvr@aol.com or 870-730-1131 or visit www.pbicvrpenorpencil.com.
Celebrity Chili Challenge
This chili cook-off is a fundraiser for The Children’s Advocacy of Center of Pine Bluff (CAC of PB) with live music by Dave Sadler. The CAC assists children who have been the victims of crime or have been in abusive environments to access medical treatment, therapy, and basic needs.
- Thursday, January 17, 2019, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.
- White Hall Community Center, 9801 Dollarway Road
- Fees: Cooking teams: $100. Admission charge: $25.
For more information, contact CAC of PB at info@cacofpinebluff.org or 870-850-7105. Also visit their website and Facebook page.
Winter in the Wetlands
Learn about wildlife in Arkansas’ wetlands, ever active even in winter.
- Saturday, January 19, 2019, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
- Delta Rivers Nature Center, 1400 Black Dog Road in PB (in Regional Park area)
For more information, see the Delta Rivers Nature Center’s Facebook page events.
