America 250 Celebration at Cotesworth – Full Schedule Announced!

Shirley Rush, Regent of the Third Arrow Chapter (Carrollton); Christie Genola, Regent of the Grenada Chapter (Grenada); Norma Biggers, Regent of the Thomas Rodney Chapter (Winona); Melanie Bowman, Regent of the Chakchiuma Chapter (Greenwood)

We are just days away from the America 250 Celebration at Cotesworth Cultural and Heritage Center, and we are thrilled to share the full schedule of events!

Join the Chakchiuma Chapter NSDAR and our partner chapters on Saturday, April 25, 2026, for a free, family‑friendly festival honoring the 250th anniversary of American independence. The fun runs from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at historic Cotesworth in Carrollton, Mississippi.

Opening Ceremony – 10:00 AM

Master of Ceremonies Kenny Downs will guide us through a patriotic opening, including:

• 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

• Recognition of Sponsors – Paula McCaulla

• Activities & Events – Mary "Punkie" Stewart

Entertainment & Presentations

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 Genola

On the grounds throughout the day:

• Judith Brown – Piccolo

• Forrest Clark – Bagpipes

Tours of Cotesworth

Docents will lead tours of the historic Cotesworth mansion at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Space may be limited – check at the information table.

Local children dressed in Colonial-style costumes will attend the event.

Children's Activities

A large children's area will be open all day! Games, prizes, and lots of hands‑on fun for young patriots. Bring the whole family – there's something for every age. 🎯🎁

Artisan Demonstrations (Ongoing – All Day)

Watch skilled artisans demonstrate traditional crafts:

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

Food & Lunch

Lunch is available for purchase. Food vendors include:

• Guy's Fish Plates 🐟

• Pappy's Burgers & Barbecue 🍔

• The Masons – cooking on site 👨‍🍳

Photo Opportunities

Stop by our colonial‑themed photo stations throughout the grounds. Perfect for family memories! 📸

Free Pocket Constitutions

The first 200 guests will receive a free Pocket Constitution. 📜

Shuttle from Greenwood

Need a ride? A $20 round‑trip shuttle will run from Greenwood to Cotesworth. Space is limited – contact a Chakchiuma Chapter officer to reserve your seat.

Plan Your Visit

• Admission: FREE

• Parking: FREE on‑site

• What to bring: Lawn chairs or blankets, sun protection, cash/cards for food trucks

• Location: Cotesworth Cultural and Heritage Center, Carrollton, MS

Thank You to Our Partners

This official America250 project is made possible by:

Presented by: Chakchiuma Chapter NSDAR (Greenwood)
In partnership with: Third Arrow Chapter (Carrollton), Thomas Rodney Chapter (Winona), Grenada Chapter (Grenada)
With support from: The Sons of the American Revolution (SAR)

And made possible by a grant from the Mississippi Humanities Council, through support from the State of Mississippi.

We can’t wait to see you at Cotesworth on April 25! Bring your family, bring your friends, and celebrate 250 years of American freedom. 🇺🇸

For more information, visit our America 250 page or contact us through our online form.