This Saturday, August 15, is going to be a big day in the Pine Belt with several activities going on:

* Tickets are on sale now for the Annual Wine Tasting and Auction, the area’s premier wine tasting event, to be held on Saturday, August 15 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Hattiesburg Train Depot. All proceeds from this event go to benefit the South Mississippi Children’s Center, the regions only emergency placement shelter for runaway, homeless, abused and neglected children and youth ages 9 to 17. Tickets are $50 each and can be purchased by contacting Rebecca Hartfield at rhartfield@mchscares.org or calling (601) 264-7079.

* A benefit garage sale, softball tournament, chicken plate sale, and silent auction will start at 8:00 a.m. at the Dixie Youth Sports Complex in Sumrall for eight-year-old Zach Little who recently was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. For information call (601) 606-7109. To make a private donation to the Little family, contact Citizens Bank in Sumrall at (601) 758-4646.

* The public is invited to Covington County Genealogical & Historical Society’s annual Genealogy Fair from 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. at the Seminary Depot. Guest authors Grady Howell, Sister Paulinas Oakes, and Dr. Harlan Rogers will be there to sign their books which can be purchased at the fair. Free information and other books from Covington, Smith, Jones, and Forrest counties will also be available

* Bro. Ray McGee of Collins will be performing in song and praise 2.00 p.m. at the Independent Full Gospel Church of Sanford, located on Old Hwy 49 in the Sanford community. There is no charge to attend the event and a love offering will be received.For more information, call (601) 758-4604.

* The HMF Community Outreach Center will conduct a Self-Development Workshop from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the Palmers Crossing Heritage Museum. Dressing for Success, Power Resumes, Job Search Tips, Self-Esteerm, How to Make Decisions, and Relaxation Techniques will be the presentation topics. The public is invited, and refreshments and door prizes will be given. For more info, call Hollis L. Hall at (601) 917-8616 or email hollibabi@yahoo.com.

* Scales & Tails will hold a “Reptile Excursion” at Kamper Park from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. There will be various reptiles for the children’s viewing. Children will learn lots of interesting and exciting facts about these animals. All children will receive a “goodie” bag for attending. All donations of $5 or more will receive a chance to win an original Scales & Tails shirt.

* The Yarn Basket in Petal will hold Beginner Crochet class from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Learn how to crochet and start a project in class. Cost is $15. Call (601) 582-7272 to pre-register.

* Jerry Trammel, former tenor for The Florida Boys, will be the featured soloist at a benefit concert at Stuart Memorial Auditorium, located five miles west of Sumrall at 939 Old Salt Road. Other performers will be Little River Trio, Carl-Lyn Trio, and Doug Jones. All proceeds go to the family of Bill Jones who suffered a spinal fracture in an auto accident. Donations of items to be auctioned off are also being accepted. For more info, call (601) 758-4873 or (601) 758-0140.

* Housing Alternatives of Hattiesburg will offer a free Homebuyers Education Workshop from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at 4100 Mamie Street (the old WIN Job Center building.) The class is open to anyone interested in purchasing a home. Housing Alternatives is a HUD approved non-profit counseling agency. To register, call (601) 544-9140.

* The Mississippi Cover Miss & Mr. preliminary pageant will be held at Dixie Golf Club in Laurel. Crowns and gifts will be awarded. Winners will qualify to go to state where thousands of cash and prizes will be awarded. All proceeds will go to purchase school supplies in Jones County. For more info, call (601) 580-2920 or email centralprel@yahoo.com.

* Bethel Baptist Church, located at 725 Bethel Church Rd, will be selling fish and chicken plates to raise money for new church pews beginning at 4:00 p.m. This includes your choice of fish or smoked chicken, with 2 sides, dessert & tea. The price is $7.00 per plate. For more information, call Barbara Windham at (601) 319-2908.