Brian’s picks

(Craig Morgan)

Stepson Nathan is a firefighter, and those specialists know all things hot and flaming. And that includes chili this chilly time of year. The Columbus Firemen’s Cheer Fund Chili Cook-Off is set 6 p.m. Friday at Fire Station No. 1, 1101 Jackson St. in downtown Columbus. The fundraiser is set up with a drive in and pick up format, with donations of any amount for the chili. The Cheer Fund buys toys and food for the area’s needy families, and is one of the best-known local outreaches.

Hoosier Trails Council Boy Scouts of America Annual Wine-A-Ree will be at 6 p.m. Saturday at The Commons, 300 Washington St. in downtown Columbus. The wine tasting event benefits Hoosier Trails Council, Boy Scouts of America, which serves 18 counties of south-central Indiana including Bartholomew, Jackson, Decatur and Jennings. Attendees will be required to provide proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test (administered no more than 72 hours prior to the event).

Country artist Craig Morgan will be in concert at 8 p.m. Friday at the Brown County Music Center, 200 Maple Leaf Drive in Nashville. You can bet he’ll bring a hit parade of songs that include including “Bonfire,” Almost Home,” “Redneck Yacht Club,” and more. Information and tickets: browncountymusiccenter.com.