Springtime is almost here, which means the Greater Picayune Arts Council’s annual Spring Palooza event is coming up.

On Saturday, March 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the fun-filled family event will be held at Jack Read Park.

Donna Aguilard, president of the arts council, said locals can expect to see many of last year’s activities, including face painting, putt putt golf, minnow race, pony rides from Kirkland Farms and a silly hat parade.

“We’re just hoping the weather is great that day,” Aguilard said.

“We’ll also have so many other events going on that day that work in conjunction with Spring Palooza.”

On Saturday, the Rotary Club of Picayune is hosting their 5K Run/Walk and One-Mile Fun Run starting at 7 a.m.

Stewart Huey, Rotary club fundraising chair, said this is the fourth year they’ve been holding the run at Jack Read Park.

“It’s a great fundraiser we put on to help fund community projects throughout the year,” Huey said.

Huey said around 80 people participated in the event last year, but he hopes more people will join this year.

“Every year, the event has grown and we’re on the right path to break triple digits,” Huey said.

To register for the run, contact Huey at (601) 749-3228.

At 3 p.m., the Mercedes Benz of American Magnolia Chapter will host an event at the railroad museum in Picayune’s Intermodal Transportation and Tourism Center located on Hwy. 11.

To end the day, the Dancing with the Relay Stars event will take place at Southern Char Steakhouse at 7 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m., Aguilard said.

For tickets and more information on the event, contact Lisa Lee at (601) 394-8453.

“These events give the community a chance to gather together, meet and greet, and it also benefits businesses because a lot of people come from out-of-town for Spring Palooza,” Aguilard said.