Thursday, Apr. 02, 2009

Visit the magical world of Pasaquan

If you’ve lived in the Columbus area for a while, I’m sure someone has mentioned Pasaquan.

The first time I went to Pasaquan was on a bus trip sponsored by the Columbus Museum. I really can’t remember what year that was. We got on the bus at the museum, went to Buena Vista for lunch at a bed and breakfast that I think is no longer running as a B&B.

And then it was time to go to Pasaquan.

Thankfully, Fred Fussell was our guide. He actually knew Eddie Owens Martin, the self-proclaimed St. EOM.

Fred told us that his first visit was when he was in high school and Martin told his fortune.

That’s what Martin did — told fortunes. He also made bead necklaces.

Back in those days, Pasaquan was slowly deteriorating, with some rooms too dangerous to walk in because the floor was giving way. It still is.

But it was still a fascinating place. I bet if those guys from that TV show, “Ghost Hunters,” came, they’d find Martin’s spirit still hanging around.

What Martin did was paint his family home in rural Marion County. He also created huge sculptures of the people of Pasaquan.

You’ve got to see it to believe it.

Pasaquan is closed to the public December to March.

It opens for public tours 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $5; children 6 and younger get in free.

Other dates are May 2, June 6, July 4, Aug. 1, Sept. 5, Oct. 3 and Nov. 7.

I couldn’t send you to Pasaquan even if someone threatened me with okra.

But you can call 229-649-9444 to get directions.

Belly and fire dancing

An Atlanta-based belly dancer, Lee, will bring her art of belly dancing to Mario’s Restaurant and Pub, 1010-B Broadway, at 7 p.m. Saturday.

Owner Sylvia Saad said for $30, you’ll get your choice of appetizer, an entree, salad and soft drinks.

And Lee, she reports, does a lot with fire.

It should be something to see.

Call 706-571-9830 to make a reservation.

Kids in the garden

The Columbus Botanical Garden, 3603 Weems Road, has Kids’ Weekend in the Garden, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday.

There will be a lot of fun activities, including making bird feeders and nesting balls for birds, face painting, leaf pounding, making cards pressed from flowers and potting a living plant.

The weekend is geared for children ages 4-12.

“It’s spring break time and it’s a fun and inexpensive way for families to spend time together,” said volunteer Martha Dimon.

Most of the activities cost $1, but some are free. Proceeds go to educational programs at the garden.

Go to the front porch of the Adams Family Farmhouse and get an orientation package, which includes a map of all the activities. It will also include hand-cleaning wipes, a newspaper apron and garden information.

And mark your calendar for 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. April 18. That’s the garden’s annual spring plant sale. There will also be a rain-barrel class that day at 9:30 a.m. You’ll make your own 55-gallon rain barrel. The fee is $45. The deadline to sign up for the class is 5 p.m. April 16.

Call 706-327-8400 or go to www.columbusbotanicalgarden.org