Thousands of former Meridianites are coming into the Queen City this weekend to celebrate their hometown.

The annual Meridian Picnic is being held in Meridian this year, as it is every five years. It's also held in cities like Detroit, Atlanta and New York.

The picnic began forty-three years ago as a reunion of former students at the now defunct T.J. Harris High School.

Picnickers started arriving in Meridian Thursday for a weekend full of activities.

There will be a social hour Thursday night at the Council of Organizations, starting at 7 p.m. An 8 p.m. program will honor those who made contributions to the Jacqueline Sweetner Caffey Foundation Scholarship Fund, which makes awards to deserving high school and college students.

There is an outing planned for Friday morning at Geyser Falls Water Park in Neshoba County.

Friday 1 p.m. National Council of Meridianites Foundation Luncheon at the Drury Inn

Friday 6 p.m. Memorial Service at the Drury Inn

Friday 9 p.m. Hospitality Night, Frank Cochran Center at Highland Park

Saturday 12 Noon Picnic Kickoff, grandstand at Highland Park

Saturday 9 p.m. Grand Ball, Frank Cochran Center at Highland Park

Meridianites plan to attend various church services in the area Sunday.