ANNISTON, AL – The Anniston Museums and Gardens, in collaboration with Festival Coordinator Mrs. Georgia Calhoun and the Heritage Festival Committee, invites the community to celebrate Black History Month at the 45th Annual Heritage Festival: Poems of the Past, Whispers of our Ancestors. The festival will take place on Saturday, February 15, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Longleaf Event Center, Anniston Museums and Gardens, 920 Museum Dr., Anniston, AL 36206.
A longstanding tradition, the Heritage Festival provides an enriching experience that honors Black history, literature, and culture. This year’s event will feature a free jazz concert by TAD of Jazz, an array of local vendors, and opportunities to explore the museums. Attendees can also enjoy delicious food from RNB Finz N Chicks and Baby Boy’s BBQ.
One of the highlights of the festival is the Heritage Festival Oration Competition, which encourages children from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12 to develop their public speaking skills through the recitation of works by Black authors. The competition allows participants to showcase their talents in front of festival attendees and a panel of judges. Each participant will receive:
- A $10.00 participation award
- A Participation Ribbon
- A One-Year Family Membership to the Anniston Museums and Gardens
The Oration Competition will begin with check-in at 9:00 a.m., followed by the competition at 10:00 a.m.. Performances will be judged on organization, content, language, and audience appeal. Winners will receive monetary prizes and ribbons for first, second, and third place in each category, with the school or co-op group that has the most participants winning a free Live Animal Show from the Anniston Museum of Natural History.
Competition Rules:
- Orations must be memorized and recited without notes.
- Pieces must be authored by Black writers.
- Performances are limited to five minutes.
- No profanity is permitted.
- Props are optional and must be managed by participants.
To enter, students must submit a registration form by Monday, February 10, 2025. Forms are available at the Anniston Museum of Natural History or can be requested via email at swoolmaker@annistonal.gov.
The festival is made possible by the support of several generous sponsors, including Alabama Power Service Organization, Amazon’s Black Employee Network (BEN), Calhoun County Commissioner Fred Wilson, State Representative Dr. Barbara Boyd, Iota Mu Omega Chapter of AKA, Pandora Art and Social Club, F&S Body Shop and Wrecker Service, Thomas A. Williams Elks Lodge, John and Dr. Valerie Richardson, Eddie and Veronica May, Attorney Cleo Thomas and Dr. Carla Thomas, Dorcas Art & Social Club, and the Willie & Betty Farrior Foundation.
The 45th Annual Heritage Festival would not be possible without community support. To become a sponsor, please contact Sarah Woolmaker at swoolmaker@annistonal.gov or call (256) 237-6261. Thank you for your support!
This event promises to be an inspiring celebration of history, culture, and the voices of future generations. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this meaningful tradition!
