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Now until Dec. 1 Auditions for Disney’s "Newsies" FestivalSouth in Hattiesburg will kick off its 2026 season with Disney’s Newsies, produced by The Hub City Players.
For the first time, the company is accepting online audition submissions, which are open to post-high-school performers of all genders and backgrounds. Round one requires video submissions of singing and dancing by December 1 -- with selected performers moving on to live auditions December 15 and 16.
The production will be co-produced by Dr. Mike Lopinto and Tammy Mansfield, with Jacob Morris making his directorial debut for HCP and choreography led by DeLovitt Rogers and Tracy Smith. FestivalSouth 2026 will also celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a season of patriotic performances.
Tickets for Disney’s "Newsies" and the full season will go on sale in January 2026. Performances, and FestivalSouth, are scheduled for June of 2026.
More details are available at the links just below this sentence.
hubcityplayers.com (for details on auditions) festivalsouth.org (for details on Disney’s "Newsies" and the 2026 season) -
Select days until Aug. 29 Free Storytime at Hattiesburg Zoo The series features popular children’s books read aloud by the zoo’s education team.
Designed for preschool-aged children and their caregivers, each session includes a book reading, an animal encounter, and an educational activity, held Fridays in August at 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. in the zoo’s education room, which is in advance of the zoo’s ticket booth.
Space is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis, with doors opening at 10:30 a.m.
The zoo hopes to welcome both new and returning families to this engaging community event.
Members of the team will be reading the following.
\ August 29th - "The Very Busy Spider" - Eric Carle
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Now until Aug. 31st Southern Pine Electric Is accepting applications for its Members Helping Members grant program, which provides up to $10,000 in funding for eligible non-profits and community-based organizations in its 11-county service area.
Funded by members who round up their electric bills, the program supports local projects in areas such as education, public safety, youth, and economic development.
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Aug. 29th August Author Spotlight Takes place at 2 p.m. at the Laurel-Jones County Library.
Guest is Colonel Jason Markiewitz, author of "Sarajevo Roses: Poetry from a War Zone," a collection of poetry and photography reflecting on the aftermath of the Kosovo conflict.
Attendees can hear him read excerpts, share his experiences, and purchase signed copies of his book.
For more details, call the library at 601-428-4313.
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Aug. 29th NEJ Jungle Run 5K Fundraiser Presented by the Northeast Jones High School Cross Country Team, the fundraiser takes place at 68 Northeast Drive. Registration starts at 6 p.m. and the race starts at 7 p.m.
This family-friendly event will feature food vendors, a DJ, and bounce houses, with proceeds supporting new uniforms, supplies, and nutritional needs for the team.
Organizers are inviting the community to participate and help spread the word through on-air mentions or community calendars.
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Sep. 5th-6th Diamond Excursions Ladies’ Edition This 501(c)3 nonprofit in Hattiesburg serves the community through outreach programs like Boots on the Ground by Project GAP, offering mobile pantry, showers, and essential resources.
The organization is also developing the MS HUB Complex, a future community resource center that will provide services such as day shelter, workforce training, hot meals, and disaster relief support.
On September 5 and 6, they will host a two-day Charity Day and Day in the Park Pop-Up featuring food, vendors, family activities, and entertainment.
Proceeds will benefit the renovation of the MS HUB Complex to better serve the Pine Belt region.
www.diamondexcursionsladiesedition.com/ Charity Day Vendor Form (September 5th) -
Sep. 12th TrainTastic in Gulfport Will host "Murder at the Disco", a 1970s prom-themed murder mystery dinner show. Doors open at 6:15 p.m.
Guests can enjoy a live interactive performance, a three-course dinner, a costume contest, and a cash bar while helping solve a mystery.
TrainTastic, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is home to the world’s largest and most exciting model railroad museum.
Click on the link just below this sentence for more details and ticket information.
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Sep. 13th Cruisin' with Trinity Takes place from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church in Petal (53 Corinth Road).
"We will have food and craft vendors, free pony rides for kiddos, and a car show," one of the organizers tells Pine Belt Radio.
Proceeds will help with the church's future community outreach programs and events.
For more details, call the church at 601-584-7432.
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Sep. 15th September Sensory Time Takes place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Laurel-Jones County Library (530 Commerce Street).
This special program is created for individuals with disabilities and their families, offering an open and relaxed atmosphere.
It is especially designed to engage those with sensory sensitivities. For more details, call the library at 601-428-4313.
The library tells Pine Belt Radio the Sensory Fall Fest is scheduled for October 13.
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Sep. 26th-27th R.H. Watkins (Laurel High) Class of 1975 50th Reunion
As of this writing, tentative plans include...
\ September 26: Dinner at Wilson's Commissary in downtown Laurel
\ September 27: Golf outing in Laurel
\ September 27: Gathering at the Laurel Train Depot with live entertainment from The Classix, a Laurel-area band.
