Montgomery County Arts Council

08/04/2026

We're so excited to share this with you!

Here it is! Want to know what's in it? We have the perfect solution. Come and listen to the cast read it this Saturday at 10AM at the Performing Arts Center.

08/03/2026

Look what's happening Saturday!

The public reading of the new Hill Fire script is this coming Saturday at 10 AM. Set in 1976 during the Bicentennial, this entertaining story follows the journey of two high school students as they struggle to write term papers. As the local librarian guides them through the process, the students learn about their local and national history. Meanwhile, two college students meet a new friend who enjoys sharing memories of growing up in Winona as the three spend quality time in the abandoned old courthouse.Filled with humor and musical numbers, this delightful dramedy provides nostalgia and conveys a sense of patriotic pride for every American.

You are invited to see how the words on the page evolve into a full production. Come and follow the cast on its journey from the very first reading of the script to opening night. Visit rehearsals and watch the creation of the characters and the transformation of the set. Get involved in your local arts programs. It's a rewarding experience.

07/27/2026

Public reading of new Hill Fire script

The public reading of the newest Hill Fire folk life play will be held on Saturday, August 8, at 10AM at the Performing Arts Center, 208 Summit Street, Winona, Mississippi.

This season’s play is titled “Freedom” and is set in 1976 during the preparation of Heritage Day, a celebration for the Bicentennial. Characters in the play include notable local residents Charles Henry Brown, Tee Golding, David Putman, Helen Fisackerly, Mary Riales, Verma Powell, Louess Applewhite, Bessie Loggins, Lena Berry, Yvonne Murray, Ging Sumner, Joan Diette, and Frances Gardner. Other characters include Colonel O. J. Moore, Rebecca Moore, John Binford, Priscilla Binford, Dr. W. W. Hart, Mary Hart, and Robert Hitt.

The public reading is for the benefit of the families and acquaintances of the characters so they have an opportunity to hear the content of the script prior to its performance. All relatives and friends of the characters included in the script are encouraged to attend this reading. For more information, call 662-310-0199.

Send a message to learn more

03/05/2026

Something else caused by the Great Depression.

August 16, 1929

Winona Service Stations to Go on Cash Basis

The service stations of the city have agreed that on and after today, the 16th day of August, that all gasoline, oil, and everything sold in their places will be sold to everyone for cash. This has been done on account of the service stations having to operate on a small percent and losing a great many accounts causes them to operate at a loss. Coupon books will be sold to those who do not wish to write checks or pay cash every time they patronize the service station. Those who have gone on a cash basis are E. P. Tollison, Day and Night Service Station, W. H. Hammond, Start T. Service Station, Standard Service Station, J. A. Varnell, Minyard Service Station, Herring Motor Company, The Rexo, and W. L. Cross have agreed not to take any new accounts.

03/05/2026

03/02/2026

The Montgomery County Arts Council will present an encore performance of Hill Fire’s “Wait for the Light” at the Performing Arts Center, 208 Summit Street in Winona on Friday, March 6 at 7:00 pm, Saturday, March 7 at 7:00 pm, and Sunday, March 8 at 2:00 pm.

This season’s play is a heartfelt story that explores themes of hope, resilience, community, and overcoming adversity during challenging times. The play features vivid character interactions and dialogues that emphasize personal growth, the importance of supporting each other, and finding light amid darkness.

Set during the Great Depression, the narrative creates a richly textured story rooted in the struggles and triumphs of its characters. The interactions between the characters reflect collective resilience and the enduring human spirit. The story delves into historical and societal themes that impact events of the time period, indicating a strong commentary on perseverance and community support during hard times. The inclusion of playful scenes and humor offers a contrast to more serious moments, adding depth and balance to the play's tone.

Characters memorialized in this story are Henry Hart, Melzana Ward Hart, Mary Laura Hart Holmes, Mary Ward Whitehead, Edward Holmes, Charlie Carroll Pace, Lillian Shelton Pace, Jennie Pace Emerson, Clyde Pace, Sam Emerson, Jim Emerson, Alice Dodd, Willie Lee Dodd, Corrine Dodd, Dorris Dodd, Eula McVey, Caroline Hart, Charlotte Billingsley, Eliza Dantzler Mitchell, Era Mason, Vila Mae Mason, Alma Dantzler, Susie Staton, Clenton Frye, and James Frye.

The ensemble who will be bringing these stories to life are Steve Lester, Paul Lancaster, Calbrina Woods, Sara Evans, Cadence Hopkins, Gracie Kilburn, Lorayne Welch, Juanita Flowers, Dorothy Woods, Kay Emmons, Miriam Clark, Kyle Welch, Balinda Lancaster, Tonya Hopkins, Clayton Stevens, Mayson Noah, Jase Boyette, Anna Beth Mulconrey, Debra Hardin, Penelope Clark, Prince Mearett, Iyanna Meeks, Alivia Mearett, Jay Schiefer, and Jaron Welch.

02/14/2026

https://youtu.be/XvxubBuvU2o

2026 MCAC Valentine Show - Under the BoardwalkLorayne Welch

02/14/2026

https://youtu.be/QUrRst0aaZg

2026 MCAC Valentine Show - Mr. SandmanKen Rosamond

02/14/2026

https://youtu.be/XZ4Y8LUmamI

2026 MCAC Valentine Show - So This Is LoveNatalie Rosamond

02/14/2026

https://youtu.be/vKWKg1Ho1rc

2026 MCAC Valentine Show - Ain't No Mountain High EnoughDebra Hardin and Elizabeth Eldridge