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Now until Apr. 3rd Laurel Arts League Has opened applications for the 2026 Mandy Buchanan Creative Arts Scholarship, a program honoring a beloved local educator by supporting talented high school seniors in Laurel and Jones County.
Graduating seniors from public, private, or homeschool programs can apply by submitting an original portfolio in visual or performing arts, regardless of their intended college major.
Interested students must submit all application materials via email by the April 3 deadline to be considered for this competitive award.
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Now until Apr. 17th Congressional Art Competition Incumbent Fourth District Rep. Mike Ezell has officially opened submissions for the 2026 Congressional Art Competition, inviting high school students across Mississippi’s Fourth Congressional District to participate.
This program offers young artists the chance to showcase their creativity, with the winning piece earning a one-year display in the U.S. Capitol.
Eligible entries must be original, two-dimensional works such as paintings, drawings, or photography, and must be submitted by the April 17 deadline.
Interested students, parents, and teachers can find full regulations and submission details on the Congressman’s official website or by contacting his district office.
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Now until June 1st Registration for City of Laurel 2026 Summer Youth Baseball Season
Takes place at Laurel's Parks & Recreation Office.
The program offers leagues for various age groups, including T-Ball, Coach Pitch, and Player Pitch, with a registration fee of $30.
Additionally, the city is seeking volunteer coaches and assistant coaches, all of whom must pass a mandatory background check.
For more details, call 601-428-6452.
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Monthly until July 7th Hattiesburg Zoo Is hosting a series of Homeschool Days with each session focusing on a specific animal habitat.
Programs run from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., but participants can enter at 8:30 a.m. for exclusive early access before the public arrives.
The sessions focus on the following.
\ April 7th: Forests
\ May 5th: Deserts
\ June 2nd: Wetlands
\ July 7th: Jungles
Students will explore four self-paced activity stations throughout the zoo followed by a special animal encounter at the Giraffe Pavilion.
The morning also features a Nature Swap, where children can trade nature-based treasures with zoo staff and other participants.
After the scheduled activities conclude, families are invited to stay and enjoy the zoo at their leisure for the remainder of the day.
Advanced reservations are required, with discounted rates available for annual zoo pass holders.
https://hattiesburgzoo.connectngo.com/en/tag/education-program -
Apr. 11th Hattiesburg Half Marathon VisitHATTIESBURG, the City of Hattiesburg, and Hattiesburg Clinic have partnered to host the 2026 Hattiesburg Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K.
This year’s event serves as a major fundraiser for seven local nonprofits: ARC of Southeast Mississippi, Children’s Center for Communication and Development, Dubard School for Language Disorders, Hattiesburg Alliance for Public Art, Kuntry Kidz Youth Foundation, Pinebelt Blueways, and Southern Pines Animal Shelter.
Beyond supporting regional charities, the race acts as a significant tourism draw, attracting runners from across multiple states to the Pine Belt.
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Apr. 11th Benefit Jeep Ride for Eric Rowell and Family Takes place at Trinity First Baptist Church in Waynesboro.
Registration begins at 8 a.m., departure from the church at 9:30 a.m., expected return at 11:30 a.m.
Registration fees start at $25. Proceeds benefit the Rowell family.
For more details, call the church at 601-735-5311.
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Apr. 11th Pine Belt Master Gardeners Will host their 2026 Spring Garden Revival at the Forrest County Extension Center.
This free event features guest speakers Mike Keith and Rick Griffin, who will share professional insights on water gardens and creative landscape design.
Attendees can also shop a variety of plant sales and browse local vendors from 9 a.m. until noon.
Contact the master gardeners at the website we've linked just below this sentence for more details and registration information.
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Apr. 14th Jones County Housing & Hope Initiative Will hosting a community roundtable at the Laurel library to address local homelessness.
The event invites leaders, organizations, and citizens to share resources and build collaborative partnerships during a working lunch.
The group's ultimate goal is to strengthen support systems and create clear pathways toward stable housing for those in need.
For more details, call 601-422-7575.
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Apr. 18th Healthy Kids Day Takes place from 10 a.m. until noon at the YMCA in Hattiesburg and Petal. Get ready for a day full of energy, learning and family fun. Healthy Kids Day is your chance to explore new ways to help your kids stay active, confident and thriving this summer. From hands-on activities to movement challenges, we’re here to kickstart a season of healthy habits. Free and open to the public.
ymcasems.org/ (website has sections for the Hattiesburg and Petal locations) -
Editor's Note
For more events, please click on the second arrow button from the right. The two central arrow buttons will advance this calendar backward and forward one page.
If you're looking for the ongoing events we talk about, they're listed at or near the end of our calendar. The best thing to do is click on the rightmost arrow button below.
Thanks for letting Pine Belt Radio and thepinebelt.com serve you.
Doug Morris
doug@pinebeltradio.com
