Gather: February 2018
February may not be everyone's favorite month to get out and about, but it does hold Valentine's Day, Mardi Gras, and lots of cozy indoor events! Check out what Jackson has going on as we wrap up winter with entertainment, inspiration, and even some exotic animals.
Enjoy: The ultimate Galentine's shopping spree
Love Day Pop-Up BAKE SHOP
Date: Saturday, February 10
Time: 10:00am - 3:00pm
Location: Garner Blue Shop at theLOCAL (202 West Lafayette Street)
Cost: Free!
If you're looking for an excuse to buy yourself macaroons and pretty things for your home, don't miss Garner Blue Shop's collaboration with the J.C. Cakes! It'll be the perfect chance to explore the rest of theLOCAL shops, too, if you haven't gotten a chance to, and make sure to pop over to the Mardi Gras Parade while you're downtown.
Read more about Garner Blue Shop on our blog.
Endorse: Union University's EDGE Program
The Power of Friendship
Date: Thursday, February 15
Time: 6:00pm
Location: Union University's Carl Grant Events Center (1050 Union University Drive)
Cost: $50 ($300 table sponsorships for eight)
Since Union University's EDGE Program launched a few years ago, it has been able to help dozens of students with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities have a quality education to prepare them for the professional world. Make sure to attend their event, "The Power of Friendship," featuring cerebral palsy survivor and one of the world's only individuals with Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory, HK Derryberry, as well as his mentor and co-author, Jim Bradford. Enjoy hearing more of their story over a buffet dinner followed by a book signing, and be encouraged that your money is going to support furthering the EDGE Program.
Explore: Your potential, personally and professionally
MakeShift Lunch Series
Date: Tuesdays in February (6, 13, 20, and 27)
Time: 11:30am - 1:00pm
Location: theCO (541 Wiley Parker Road)
Cost: $20 for individual sessions; $70 for full series (discounted prices for CO:members and Jackson Chamber members)
The MakeShift lunch series launched last year as an effort for theCO to help folks start the new year off on their best foot by trying new things and pushing boundaries in their businesses. After 2017's awesome success, the series is back and eager to feature inspiring and innovative professionals, including DCA/DCPR's Seth Chandler, BioSweet's Kayla Rodriguez Graff, Give Her Six's Julie Newman, and Master Medical Equipment's Mark Taylor. Sessions will include topics such as international business, the power of rebranding, and bringing big ideas to practical realization.
Exercise: with the family
2018 Kid's Mardi Gras Parade & Block Party
Date: Saturday, February 10
Time: 8:30am - 12:00pm
Location: Downtown Jackson (around The Bakers Rack [100 East Baltimore Street])
Cost: Free!
This annual kid-friendly event brings together games, live music, and (of course) the pancake relay. Don't miss the breakfast beginning at The Bakers Rack at 8:30, then join in on this year's parade theme of Super Heroes. (Costumes totally encouraged.) Parade participation is free, but don't forget to put your name on the sign-up sheet!
Experience: The coolest petting zoo ever
Exotic Pet Expo
Date: Saturday & Sunday, February 17 & 18
Time: Saturday 9:00am - 5:00pm; Sunday 10:00am - 4:00pm
Location: Jackson Fairgrounds (800 South Highland Avenue)
Cost: $2 per person (Children 12 and under get in for free!)
This biannual event is a community favorite, especially for animal lovers. Think hedgehogs, monkeys, snakes, parrots—just to name a few. And you better believe there will be plenty of fun stuff for any kiddos who are a little timid, such as face painting. Whether you're there to see the sites or even purchase an exotic pet of your own, it's bound to be a good time for just $2!
Originally from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Katie Howerton moved to Jackson in 2011 to study Graphic Design and Drawing at Union University. She discovered Our Jackson Home in January 2015 and used it as a guinea pig for her senior design project, creating the first issue of Our Jackson Home: The Magazine. After graduating she was given leadership over Our Jackson Home at theCO, where she now runs the blog, designs the magazine, and coordinates events. She and her husband Jordan live in Midtown and are active members of City Fellowship Baptist Church.
