I have a problem with some invasive Mexican petunia, and I don’t know what to do about it — but I know some folks that do!

The Master Gardeners, who will be at Historic Jefferson College’s Copper Magnolia Festival on Saturday, are going to have their annual plant sale and will be presenting several demonstration talks and a question and answer session on plants.

I know what I’ll be asking them! The lectures include “How to Build a Self-Watering Container,” “Worm Boxes for Composting,” and “Making Propagation Boxes.” Look for this incredibly dedicated group of volunteers under the large oak tree near the visitor’s center.

We’ll also be featuring some noted local storytellers, who will spin their historical yarns in the west wing. Maryann Railey is on from 9 a.m. to noon, and Joan McLemore is featured from noon to 3 p.m.  Both ladies have donated their storytelling talents for local children during our Pioneer Days and Ghost Tales Around the Campfire programs for years, and can keep children (and adults!) in rapt attention with their fine style.

Also featured in the west wing, from 1 to 2 p.m., will be Shelia Byers, giving a demonstration of candle-making. If you like what you smell, and I’m sure you will, look for her wares at her booth on the grounds.

In addition to Shelia’s candles, vendors will be selling art prints, wood crafts, wooden bowls, jams and jellies, jewelry, iron yard art, flea market items and much more!  There’s still space available if you hurry — just call me at 601-442-2901 as soon as possible.

Outside, there will be a children’s area for kids’ activities, and Crystie Baker from the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science will again have her live animal collection here. Each hour, from 11 to 3, we’ll feature a different craft activity — snake bracelets, animal track rubbing booklets, beaded Native American necklaces and caterpillar magnets.

Vendors and guests will be treated to the sounds of Bridging the Gap, an acoustic string band that plays old-time folk music, using dulcimers, a banjo, fiddles, mandolins and an Irish whistle and drum. Bridging the Gap will play two sets, from 10 to 11 a.m. and noon to 1 p.m.

And what would a festival be without food? Chicken on a stick, hamburgers, nachos, funnel cakes and more are all being supplied by our food vendors, so no one should go home hungry. Please make plans to bring your family out to the Copper Magnolia Festival on Saturday.

The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine, and the best part is it’s free.

Historic Jefferson College is located in Washington, 4 miles northeast of Natchez, off U.S. 61. It is administered by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.

Robin Seage PERSON is the branch director of Historic Jefferson College.