George Washington Carver celebration July 8

George Washington Carver National Monument is pleased to announce the park’s annual Carver Day celebration to be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 8. The event commemorates the life of George Washington Carver and the establishment of the national monument in his honor. The event is free.

The national monument is less that an hour north of Bella Vista along I-49.

Guest speaker is author Peter Burchard, who wrote “Carver: A Great Soul.” He has championed Carver for years with several books, websites and film, and wrote a study for the park a few years ago called “George Washington Carver: For His Times and Ours.” His presentation at 2 p.m. is titled “Thirty Years with the Good Doctor.” Burchard will have a book signing after his talk.

Bright Star Theatre will entertain visitors with a production of “George Washington Carver and Friends,” which includes cameos from actors portraying Booker T. Washington, Jackie Robison, Thurgood Marshall and others. There will be two performances — 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Seating will be limited. In addition, performing will be area choirs; InCourage Band (10:30 a.m.); the Roz Gospel Trio (11 a.m.); Memphis gospel blues singer and guitarist Reverent John Wilkins (noon); and gospel singing group Sensational Wonders (1:30 p.m.).

Activities are scheduled throughout the day, including exhibitors, musical performances, guided tours, educational programs, children’s activities, Junior Ranger station and much more. The Diamond Lions Club will provide food concessions. A schedule of events will be announced soon.

The park’s website is www.nps.gov/gwca.

The park is located two miles west of Diamond, Mo., on Highway V, then south a quarter of a mile on Carver Road.