Contact Festival Chairperson, George Rutherford, 304-725-9610
NAACP Jefferson County Branch, PO Box 411, Ranson WV 25438-0411
gruther1@msn.com
Jefferson County, WV African American Cultural and Heritage
Festival
[Friday, July 25, 2003]The Jefferson County (JC), West Virginia Branch of the
NAACP
announces its 11th annual African American Cultural & Heritage Festival
August 15-17, 2003.
Our theme, as in the past years, continues to be
Honoring Our Past & Present, Celebrating Our Future.
Commencing Friday August 15th, at 7 p.m. a Youth Talent Extravaganza
will be held.
Youth throughout the tri-state area will be showcased.
This free program will be held in the Betty Roper Auditorium at
Wright Denny School in Charles Town, West Virginia.
Continuing on Saturday, August 16th, the annual Noon Parade will
proceed from Ranson
on North George St thru main street Charles Town, concluding on S. Lawrence St
(Festival grounds).
The famed Buffalo Thunder Motorcycle Club from Maryland will participate
for the first time in this area, along with various local school marching bands,
other officials, units, and organization.
Also on Saturday, the annual Arts/Crafts, Exhibits, Health Fair,
Entertainment will take place.
The location for all these events is South Lawrence St in Charles Town.
Vendors/Exhibits: Starting at 11 a.m., vendors from the tri-state area, as well
as New York
will be selling ethnic products, books, art, jewelry; crafts, collectibles,
& delicious homemade food.
There will be giveaways. The highly acclaimed Health Pact, Inc will provide a
free health awareness/health screening fair from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Star
Lodge Masonic building located on the festival ground.
Screening blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and body mass index.
This unit has traveled nationally promoting health awareness.
The festival opening ceremony will start at 1:15 p.m. followed by awards &
entertainment.
Entertainment: Walkersville Steppers, Magician Dewayne Hill will perform his
magical act,
Gospel Recording Artist Karl Miller Revue from Bramwell, WV;
Local R&B Bands: the 5th Step and Special Blend.
For the Young at heart, other free events - pony rides 2-4:30 p.m. and moon
bounce from 1-5 p.m.
Ending with an "old-time" block party for the youth at 8:30–10:30
p.m.
On Sunday August 17th, the festivities will conclude with a Special
Tribute Ceremony.
Erecting a bronze plaque at the Lancaster Circle in Ranson at 3 p.m.
in honor of the late Bishop Earnest Eugene Baltimore DD,
one of the prominent pioneer civil rights leaders in the Jefferson County,
as well as President of the King's Apostle Holiness Churches of God, Inc.
A march will take place from the Baltimore Temple (526 West Third Avenue) to
Lancaster Circle prior to dedication of the plaque.
Marchers will assemble at the church at 2:30 p.m.
Bring a friend to celebrate the heritage of a great people.
The finest cultural event of the Eastern Panhandle.
All events are open to the public and free.
A special thanks to the community, merchants and organizations in supporting
this event.
For information regarding the Festival, contact Festival Chairperson
George Rutherford, 304-725-9610, email gruther1@msn.com
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