The Philadelphia Ham Jam Arts Festival, named the state’s festival/event of the year by the Mississippi Tourism Association, promises to live up to its reputation of providing family fun and friendly competition when it kicks off April 15 and 16 in historic downtown Philadelphia.
Highlighting the competitions again this year will be the crowd favorite barbecue contest. The Memphis in May sanctioned contest features a grand prize of $750 in addition to other division winnings. Entry fees begin at $150 with an additional $50 per category, and the contest is limited to 22 teams. For more information, contact Madonna Green at 656-4911.
A big success last year, the Ham Jam Slam basketball tournament is back again. The five-on-five tournament will be played at Philadelphia High School and will feature local talent as well as teams from around the state.
Teams will vie for about $1,000 in prize money. Set to run April 15 and 16, the tournament champion will be crowned Saturday night. Organizers say two full days of exciting basketball competition is planned.
The cost of the tournament is $200 per team. Only 10 men per team will be allowed. One focus of the tournament will be quality officiating using NCAA style rules.
If you love basketball and the thrill of the sport, call Ryan McKay at 601-416-1766 or Phillip Prince at 601-575-9993 to register.
Always a favorite with the kids, the Kids Zone at Ham Jam will feature many new activities. And for the little ones, Piglet Playtime returns and will again include the popular pet show. More details will follow as the event draws near.
Think you can sing? Then sign up for the talent competition sponsored by Philadelphia Main Street and Classic Country 95.1.
Each year Classic Country 95.1/Clear Channel holds two or three local talent competitions. Prizes include recording time for the first, second and third place winners, and various donated items. The top three winners from the local competition will then have the opportunity to compete in the 24th annual Colgate Country Showdown set for Oct. 1 at the Queen City Fair in Meridian.
The country’s largest talent showcase, the Colgate Country Showdown is a national talent competition designed to find the most promising country music talent in America, giving the performers a chance to launch their professional careers. Thousands of aspiring artists compete on national television for cash and prizes totaling $200,000 and the national title. Some of the more recognized names in country music who have competed in the showdown include Martina McBride, Tim McGraw, Garth Brooks, John Michael Montgomery and Billy Ray Cyrus.
Registration fee is $15 per act and the entry deadline is March 25. Performers in each act must be signed up and entry fee paid by the March deadline. If you are interested in competing, contact Criss Woods at 601-693-2381 or the CDP office at 656-1000.
A big hit with festival-goers last year, Compozitionz will take the stage Friday night with The Krackerjacks set to headline Saturday night’s entertainment.
For more information on the 2005 Ham Jam Arts Festival call 601- 656-1000.
