America 250 Celebration at Cotesworth

A Free Community Festival · History, Music & Family Fun

Saturday, April 25, 2026
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Cotesworth Cultural and Heritage Center, Carrollton, Mississippi

A Day to Remember

On April 25, 2026, the Chakchiuma Chapter NSDAR, together with partner chapters across the Delta, welcomed the community to historic Cotesworth Cultural and Heritage Center for a free celebration of America's 250th anniversary.

Despite morning clouds and a chance of showers, the day cleared into a beautiful afternoon – and hundreds of guests enjoyed living history, colonial dancing, storytelling, music, children's activities, and delicious food from local vendors.

Thank you to everyone who joined us! 🇺🇸

Event Highlights

Opening Ceremony – 10:00 AM

Master of Ceremonies Kenny Downs guided a patriotic opening, including:

  • Welcome by Melanie Bowman, Regent, Chakchiuma Chapter NSDAR

  • Invocation by Beth Duncan, MSSDAR State Chaplain

  • Posting of Colors and National Anthem by American Legion Post #29 Color Guard & Singing Legionnaires

  • Pledge of Allegiance led by Shirley Rush, Regent, Third Arrow Chapter NSDAR

  • Greetings from Senator Lydia Chassaniol

  • Remarks from chapter leaders and sponsors

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

Watch the Highlights

Videography by Maurice Kelly
Relive the sights and sounds of our America 250 Celebration – from the opening ceremony and colonial dancing to Thomas Jefferson’s stirring words and children’s laughter across the Cotesworth grounds.

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:

  • American Legion Post #29 (Color Guard & Singing Legionnaires)

Funding Acknowledgment

This official America250 project was made possible by a grant from the Mississippi Humanities Council, through support from the State of Mississippi.