Celebrate America250
at Cotesworth
A Free Community Festival · History, Music & Family Fun
Saturday, April 25, 2026
Opening Ceremony at 10:00 AM · Activities All Day Until 3:00 PM
Location: Cotesworth Cultural and Heritage Center, Carrollton, Mississippi
Join Us for a Day of Patriotism and Celebration
The Chakchiuma Chapter NSDAR invites you to step back in time and celebrate our nation's 250th anniversary at historic Cotesworth Cultural and Heritage Center. This free family‑friendly festival honors the spirit of the American Revolution and the rich heritage of Carroll County and the Mississippi Delta.
Bring your family, invite your friends, and spend the day exploring living history, enjoying live music, and celebrating 250 years of American independence.
Master of Ceremonies: Kenny Downs
Event Schedule
Opening Presentation (10:00 AM)
The day begins with a formal presentation featuring the American Legion Post #29 Color Guard, invocation, national anthem, and special remarks honoring America's semiquincentennial.
Throughout the Day:
Living History Demonstrations – Experience life from the Revolutionary era through hands-on demonstrations and skilled artisans
Live Music & Performances – Enjoy a full lineup of musical acts, storytelling, and dance
Children's Games & Activities – Hands-on fun for our youngest patriots
Local Food Trucks – Delicious offerings from local vendors available for purchase
Free Pocket Constitutions – The first 200 attendees will receive a free Pocket Constitution
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Welcome – Melanie Bowman, Regent, Chakchiuma Chapter NSDAR
Invocation – Beth Duncan, MSSDAR State Chaplain
Posting of Colors – American Legion Post #29 Color Guard
Pledge of Allegiance – Shirley Rush, Regent, Third Arrow Chapter NSDAR
National Anthem – Singing Legionnaires
Introduction of Guests – Norma Biggers, Regent, Thomas Rodney Chapter NSDAR
Commemoration of Event – Melanie Bowman, Regent, Chakchiuma Chapter NSDAR
Recognition of Sponsors – Paula McCaulla, Event Committee, Thomas Rodney Chapter NSDAR
Activities & Events – Mary "Punkie" Stewart, Event Committee, Grenada Chapter NSDAR
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10:45 AM Betty Aden – Interpretive Patriotic Dance
11:00 AM Isaac Dallas – "Paul Revere" Storyteller
11:15 AM Ethan Samsel – Interactive Colonial Dancing & Teaching
11:40 AM Singing Legionnaires – Patriotic Musical Selections
11:50 AM Belinda Duke – Interpretive Patriotic Painting in Song
12:00 PM Barry Blakely – Delta Blues
12:30 PM Denny Spence – "Charles Carroll of Carrollton" Storyteller
1:00 PM Ethan Samsel – Interactive Colonial Dancing & Teaching
1:30 PM Belinda Duke – Interpretive Patriotic Painting in Song
1:45 PM Sean Dunlap – "Thomas Jefferson" Storyteller
2:00 PM Singing Disciples – Gospel & Patriotic Musical Selections
2:30 PM Freddie Sam Rush – "Patrick Henry" Storyteller
2:45 PM Closing Words – Christie Genova, Regent, Grenada Chapter NSDAR
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Watch skilled artisans demonstrate traditional crafts throughout the day:
Spinning / Weaving — Artisans from Chimneyville Arts Gallery
Blacksmithing / Bladesmithing / Laser Engraving — Artisan from Mississippi Forge Council
Caning, Quilting, Crochet, Chicken‑scratch Embroidery, Tatting — Local Artisans
Shuttle Information
Need a ride from Greenwood? Debbie Oxnam is organizing a shuttle service from Greenwood to Cotesworth and back.
Cost: $20 round trip
Departure: Greenwood location TBD
Return: Following the event
Contact a Chakchiuma Chapter officer for more details or to reserve your spot.
About Cotesworth
Cotesworth Cultural and Heritage Center stands as one of Mississippi's treasured historic landmarks. This beautiful setting provides the perfect backdrop for a day of reflection on our nation's founding and the generations who have preserved our freedoms.
Partners & Sponsors
This official America250 project is made possible through the generous support and partnership of:
Presented by:
Chakchiuma Chapter NSDAR (Greenwood)
In Partnership with:
Third Arrow Chapter NSDAR (Carrollton)
Thomas Rodney Chapter NSDAR (Winona)
Grenada Chapter NSDAR (Grenada)
With Support from:
The Sons of the American Revolution (SAR)
Funding Acknowledgment
This official America250 project was made possible by a grant from the Mississippi Humanities Council, through support from the State of Mississippi.
Plan Your Visit
Admission: Free and open to the public
Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Opening Presentation at 10:00 AM)
Location: Cotesworth Cultural and Heritage Center, Carrollton, Mississippi
What to Bring:
Lawn chairs or blankets for comfortable seating
Sun protection
Cash or cards for food truck purchases
Your family and friends!
Parking: Free parking will be available on-site.
Shuttle: $20 round trip from Greenwood (reservations recommended)
Questions?
For more information about the America 250 Celebration at Cotesworth, please contact us through our website or reach out to a Chakchiuma Chapter officer.