By Rita Howell
After a long cold winter, the first weekend in April is packed with local events that include food, fun, music and horses.

Things get started early Saturday with the Batesville Exchange Club’s Pancake Breakfast in the cafeteria at Batesville Intermediate School from 7-10 a.m. Tickets are $5 each and are available at the door. Proceeds benefit the club’s projects, including emphasis on child abuse prevention.
The 2014 Miss SpringFest Pageant will be held Saturday at the Batesville Intermediate School auditorium.  Girls 7 years of age and below will take the stage at 10 a.m. Girls age 8 and above will take the stage at 2 p.m.  Admission for audience is $3 per person.

Sardis’ Aprilfest Open Car Show sponsored by the Sardis Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi Delta Street Rods, will be held Saturday 8-4, in Downtown Sardis. The show is open to all makes of car, truck and motorcycle. Call for information, 901-493-4129.

Bethany Independent Baptist Church will host its third annual Eureka Gospel Bluegrass Festival Saturday, beginning at 10 a.m. The church is located at 4112 Hubbard Road, just off Eureka Road. There will be music, games, arts and crafts and food. Admission is free.

Sardis Sunday Best, a musical talent show, will be held Saturday at North Panola High School Auditorium at 6 p.m. The fund-raiser benefits the Shemeka Wilbourn Scholarship Fund. For more information call Billy Brown of Let’s Talk It Out at 901-262-5103.

An auction of antiques and collectibles is planned Saturday at Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church at 6 p.m.

At the Coles Point Fire Department, a supper and karaoke Saturday will benefit injured firefighter Jerry Barrett  beginning at 6 p.m.

On Sunday, Friends of the Batesville Library will sponsor the annual Chocolate Fantasy, 1:30-3 p.m. Tickets are $4 or 3 for $10.

Stuck on Art, a free community art event, will be hosted Sunday at Como’s Main Street Gallery from 1-4 p.m. All supplies and materials will be provided for participants to make their own art project.

At the Bryant Lane Cowboy Church, two special outdoor services are planned Sunday, at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., when horse trainer and Christian speaker Dr. Lew Sterrett will present “Sermon on the Mount.” The church and arena are located at 548 Bryant Lane in Longtown, in northwestern Panola County.