SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS - White County Celebrates 150th Anniversary

Press Release - March 26, 2007 - For Immediate Release

Cleveland and White County will begin a series of commemorations honoring the 150th anniversary of the founding of the county at an all day event Saturday, April 14th at the Universal Chevrolet Bluegrass Showplace in Cleveland.

Sponsored by Camp 1418, Sons of Confederate Veterans in Cleveland, the event is free to the public.

In keeping with the proclamation of Governor Perdue, the show will center around Confederate history and heritage as well as White County history and heritage.

Among the highlights to be presented are a Confederate camp which will be attacked Saturday afternoon around 2:30 by a patrol of Sherman's Union troops. An authentic battle, including artillery, will take place.

The program which opens at 9 am will feature a series of entertaining events including musket firing for kids, a Rebel Yell contest at 10:30 am, a "Laughing Place" session for kids of all ages centering on Georgia author Joel Chandler Harris and Brer Rabbit at 10 am.

Exhibits and vendors will display North Georgia arts and crafts and souvenirs all day. For information on space, call Lum Petitt at 706 865 3229.

The public of all ages will be invited to participate in period dances such as reels by the 1860's Civilian Society of Georgia, appearing in colorful authentic costumes at 11:30. Free instruction will be provided.

A program featuring White County history and observances of the 150th anniversary will take place at 12:30, This will be followed by the official program with members of the Cleveland City Council and White County Commission. The speaker for the event is HK Edgerton, past president of the Asheville, NC NAACP. Mr. Edgerton recently received national acclaim as a black Confederate who walked around 600 miles across America, visiting schools and local groups with a message of tolerance, love and harmony.

One of the highlights of the celebration will be the Little Miss Heritage Pageant which will take place at 3:40. Judging will be in four divisions, ages 2 & 3 and ages 4 & 5 will be judged on smile, appearance and personality. Ages 7 & 8 and 9 & 10, the same criteria, but will be allowed to address their heritage. Nothing is needed other than fresh scrubbed faces and a Sunday dress. Registration for the pageant will be open from 10 am to 2 pm at the Bluegrass Showplace, and it's free.

At 4:45, Georgia's own Peach Tones, a singing group, will perform their Dixie Concert which features a tribute to all veterans of each of the American services.

Dr. Greg Petitt, commander of SCV Camp 1418 said, "We cordially invite folks of all ages to come and spend the day. It's free, parking is free. Come and enjoy both the celebrations and the fun."

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