Community

The Golden Triangle is a unique combination of communities that boasts a wide variety of events and happenings for those who call it home. Whether its Columbus' unique history, Starkville's downtown celebrations, or West Point's arts scene, the Golden Triangle allows you to live life to the fullest in a 15-mile radius. 

To find out more about each of these communities, visit the Chamber of Commerce, Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Main Street websites for our region. 

Columbus Air Force Base

Columbus Air Force Base is home of the 14th Flying Training Wing of Air Education and Training Command's 19th Air Force. The 14th FTW mission statement is "Produce Pilots, Advance Airmen, Feed the Fight." The wing's mission is specialized undergraduate pilot training in the T-6 Texan II, T-38C Talon and T-1A Jayhawk aircraft. Each day the wing flies an average of 260 sorties on its three parallel runways. In addition to the flying training mission, Columbus AFB maintains more than 900 highly trained individuals capable of deploying at a moment's notice to support worldwide taskings and contingencies. 

Read the FY 2018 Annual Economic Impact Report from Columbus Air Force Base here.

Columbus-Lowndes
Convention and Visitors Bureau
Columbus Main Street
Columbus Arts Council

Annual Events
Pilgrimage is an annual event celebrating the rich culture and history of the South! This is a 16-day celebration of home tours of antebellum mansions. During these tours, locals dress in authentic costumes and reenact activities, just like it was the 1800s. There are so many other wonderful events during this time, including kick-off parties, Tales from the Crypt, Concert at the W, half marathons, and so much more! To learn more, visit the Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau. 

MUW's Life Enrichment Program offers intellectually stimulating non-credit courses for adults in the greater Columbus area who share a love of learning and/or teaching. Courses cover a wide range of subjects and are designed to meet the physical, intellectual, and social needs of the participants. Courses in the Life Enrichment Program are taught by volunteers from the community who are experts in their field. The fee for each term is $35.00, which entitles participants to take up to five courses each term. Classes are held during the day, early evening, and Saturday mornings, and meet once a week for 1 to 2 hours. There are five terms offered throughout the year.
Click here to find out more and to see what classes are offered

Noon Tunes, a popular lunchtime musical series held at the Trotter Courtyard and planned by Columbus Main Street, allows you to sit back; enjoy the sunshine; listen to good, local music; and have lunch with your friends and family.  What a great break in the day!

Art Walk Downtown, held annually in September, partners Main Street Columbus with the Columbus Arts Council to offer a festive evening as the work of area artists is showcased in businesses throughout historic downtown Columbus. Visitors can purchase fine art, meet the artists, take advantage of in-store discounts and promotions, and enjoy music in the streets provided by local entertainers. 

Wassail Fest is designed to catch the holiday spirit for everyone and draws hundreds to the streets of downtown Columbus. Held on the first Friday in December, Christmas carols are sung in streets and merchants add to the joyous occasion by offering special holiday activities, in-store demonstrations, and door prizes for guests. A "Wassail Meister" is chosen by those who attend Wassail Fest, honoring the store owner who offers the "best" Wassail for tasting. Coordinated by Columbus Main Street. 

Sounds of Summer, a joint venture presented by Main Street Columbus and the Columbus Lowndes Chamber of Commerce, began in 2008 and takes place at the Columbus Riverwalk Park. The free concert series offers music and fun for the entire family and features local musicians, along with food and drink vendors, on Thursdays in June and July. 

The Lighting of the Christmas Tree is held the Monday following Thanksgiving. The community is invited to gather at the east end of the Tombigbee Bridge where the city decorates one of the beautiful magnolia trees.  Attendees enjoy caroling, pictures with Santa & Miz Claus, take-home crafts for kids, and lots of fun while the mayor turns on the lights to the community Christmas tree. Coordinated by Columbus Main Street. 

The annual Market Street Festival began in 1996 and takes place the first weekend in May in historic downtown Columbus, Mississippi. This diverse family event has been named a Top 20 Event for 16 years as well as Best Fundraising Event and Best Image Package by the Mississippi Main Street Association. This two-day festival offers over 220 arts and crafts vendors, 24 food vendors, and dozens of special events and activities for the entire family. Market Street Festival also features 4 entertainment stages showcasing over 20 musical acts throughout the weekend, a car show, a tractor display, a hands-on children’s area, 2 entertainment stages exclusively for children, inflatables, high powered swings, pony rides, a petting zoo, train rides, and various other activities for all ages and demographics. As part of the Festival, a 5K "Splash of Color" run is held at the Columbus Riverwalk on Saturday morning, and WCBI-TV hosts a “Crank it Up Contest” where a car is given away. Market Street After Dark kicks off the festival on Friday evening with a concert on the Riverwalk. Contact Columbus Main Street at 662.328.6305 for dates and further information.

The Hitching Lot Farmer's Market is located at 2nd Avenue North and North 2nd Street from April until October (dates vary, so please visit the website for specifics). You can shop locally grown food, learn cooking tips from local chefs, and have fun with your children through various activities. Visit http://www.columbusmainstreet.com/recreation/ for more information. 

Fireworks on the Water at the John C. Stennis Lock and Dam occurs around July 4th each year, and features Independence Day fireworks, live entertainment, food, and children’s activities. This project is a joint effort of CAFB, the Columbus Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Corps of Engineers, Lowndes County, and the City of Columbus. Contact the Convention and Visitors Bureau at 662.329.1191 for further information. 

Starkville-Oktibbeha
The Greater Starkville Development Partnership

West Point-Clay
The Growth Alliance