Video: Spring Pilgrimage Right Around the Corner

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COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) — the 76th annual Columbus Spring Pilgrimage is just days away, and organizers are looking forward to 22 events between now and May.

CEO and Executive Director of Visit Columbus Nancy Carpenter said many of the annual events, such as the half-marathon, 5K, Tales From the Crypt, and candlelight tours will all be happening again this year.

The Pilgrimage kicks off March 28th with the Crawfish and Shrimp Boil and the performer “Kingfish”, who Carpenter said is known as the “Young BB King”, will be a new addition to the live music for the Pilgrimage.

Organizers also know one of the main attractions is the historical home tours, and Carpenter said, “We’re very thankful for the homeowners. Without them, all of this would be impossible.”

Rufus Ward and his wife own a historical home on College Street.  Ward said the home was built around 1825, and that “it is the oldest surviving house in the original city limits of Columbus.”

Ward’s home will be available for touring for one day only, on April 3rd.

“My grandmother started the Pilgrimage in Columbus…”, said Ward, “…they had a preliminary event in 1939 and then the first actual Pilgrimage in 1940.

“I’ve just been around it all my life and been in the middle of it, I guess that’s why its home to me.”

For a full list of events, go to Visit Columbus’ website:

http://visitcolumbusms.org/index.php/attractions/Spring%20Pilgrimage