The smell of new crayons is in the air. School starts in less than two weeks. However, to help ease the pain of summer vacation ending, the month of August will offer plenty of activities for families to enjoy.

On Thursday, the Southern Cultural Heritage Center will host a book signing for Susan Benjamin, author of “Sweet as Sin: The Unwrapped Story of How Candy Became America’s Favorite Pleasure.”

Benjamin, who is a candy historian and owner of the nation’s only historic candy stores located in Historic Harpers Ferry, W.Va. and Fredrick, Md., will share with participants some of the history of candy, and they will also have the opportunity to do some taste testing, executive director of the SCHF Stacey Massey said.

In addition to tracing the history of candy, Benjamin’s book also tells how people’s palates have changed over the centuries as roots, barks and even bugs were savored as treats.

“Readers with an interest in the history of food and Americana will savor this cultural history,” Massey said.

The event will run from 4 to 6 p.m. at 1302 Adams St. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for ages 12 and younger.

At 7 p.m. Aug. 12, the inaugural Church Folk Got Talent! will be held at the Vicksburg Auditorium, 901 Monroe St.

Stand-up comedian, television host, actor, and radio personality, Rickey Smiley, will be the host of the event.

“Smiley will also perform prior to the competition,” organizer Charles Pendleton said.

Local city officials have also been asked to participate in the event, Pendleton said, with some serving as judges for the competition.

First, second and third places will be awarded, with winners receiving $1,000, $500, and $300 respectively.

“We will also be giving away $100 every 15 minutes to people in the audience,” Pendleton said.

General admission tickets for Church Folk Got Talent! are $35 and VIP seating is $65. Tickets will also be available at the door the night of the show for $40 and  are available at churchfolkgottalent.evenbrite.com/.

More events scheduled for August include:

• Vicksburg Area Job Fair — 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 2; Vicksburg Convention Center, 1600 Mulberry St.; more than 30 businesses will be present; 601-636-2929.

• Authentic Indian Yoga — 5:30 -7 p.m. Aug. 2; Southern Cultural Heritage Center, 1302 Adams St.; 601-631-2997.

• Vicksburg Theatre Guild, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”; Aug. 11, 12, 13 and 14; Parkside Playhouse Theatre, 101 Iowa Ave.; 601-636-0471; vicksburgtheatreguild.com/

• City Wide Pep Rally — 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Aug. 13; Outlets at Vicksburg, 4000 S. Frontage Road; 601-636-7434.

• Tara Tomahawk Tromp 5K Off-Road Trail Run —Aug. 13; Tara Wildlife Lodge, 6791 Eagle Lake Shore Road; 601-279-4261 or visit www.tarawildlife.com.

• Ballroom Dance Showcase — 2 p.m. Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation, 1302 Adams St.; 601-631-2997.

• Old Man River QuiltFest — Aug. 16 through Aug. 20; Vicksburg Convention Center, 1600 Mulberry St; 601-634-0243 or visit www.oldmanriverquiltfest.com.

• Gator Bait Triathlon and open water swim — 7 a.m. Aug 20; Messina Landing, Eagle Lake Shore Road; mixonmathew@yahoo.com, vsaswim.org.

• 2016 Miss Mississippi Sendoff Celebration/Fashion Show/Trunk Show — noon Aug. 20; Vicksburg Auditorium, 901 Monroe St.; 601-638-6746, 662-542-2862.

• 93rd Annual Vicksburg Coin Show — Aug. 20 through  21; showroom at Riverwalk Casino, 4137 Frontage Road; 662-571-1484.

• The Mississippi River Nature Weekend — Aug. 26 through 28; Tara Wildlife, 6791 Eagle Lake Shore Road; 601-279-4261.