Next weekend a fun filled event will take place in the downtown area of Picayune featuring food, music and video games.

The event, now going into its tenth year, is called the Picayune Main Street Blues and Heritage Festival. It will bring local music and local cooks together to celebrate the diverse musical heritage of the South.

Far too often residents of Pearl River County may complain that there is nothing to do close to home, and that is why they drive for an hour or more to find entertainment and relaxation.

But this festival, combined with many more planned throughout the year, demonstrate just how hard our local organizations work to provide locals with entertaining functions right here in Picayune.

And there will be something for everyone.

Those who love barbecue can become an integral part in determining which team of cooks will earn first place in the barbecue competition. That’s because the competition will be judged by all of the people who eat the food, not just a specialized panel of “professionals.”

Music lovers will find a variety of acts across the two-day event, all comprised of people who live in the Pearl River County area. The best part is that the proceeds will benefit the local Toys for Tots chapter, which provides toys to disadvantaged children within our own community.

A silent auction will also take place. It actually started this week, so stop by Southern Char to view the items up for bid and take a chance on your favorite. Be sure to check back often, because the winner won’t be announced until Oct. 21.  And last but not least, children of all ages can get the game on in the On the Go Gamerz Mobile Unit, which features video games on four different consoles available for free to play.