As part of the New Echota Historic Site 50th Anniversary on May 12, 2012, the Friends of New Echota Historic Site and New Harmonies are teaming up to sponsor a variety of activities for visitors. ‘Without the support of our Friends of New Echota group, New Echota would not be able to offer the great programming activities visitors enjoy throughout the year at our site’, said Site Manager, David Gomez. Combined with the helpful sponsorship from the New Harmonies Exhibit project coming to Calhoun, New Echota will be able to offer visitors an opportunity to enjoy excellent programming on the day of the anniversary.

New Harmonies, Celebrating American Roots Music will sponsor participation by renowned Cherokee Nation member and singer Barbara McAllister as part of the 2:00 p.m. program. Singing in both her native Cherokee and English languages, McAllister will perform two songs as part of the 50th Anniversary Program. ‘Celebrating the roots of American music would not be complete without acknowledging and honoring the songs and music of our Native American people. We applaud the New Harmonies local exhibit organizers for their hard work in getting this exhibit to Calhoun, and am honored they chose to support and sponsor Ms. McAllister’s visit to New Echota as part of their project, and as part of our 50th Anniversary,’ Gomez said.

The Friends of New Echota will be providing a variety of services for visitors during the 50th Anniversary Program. ‘The Friends financial and visitor services work is one of the best of the Friends groups in the State Park System in Georgia, and I thank them for their continued support of New Echota, said Site Manager, David Gomez. This celebration would not be possible without them.’ As part of the 50th Anniversary Program, the Friends of New Echota will provide assistance in everything including parking cars, working in the visitor center, organizing and funding historic demonstrators including musicians, crafts demonstrators, artist, buildings tour guides as well as providing refreshments, advertising and more. In recognition of New Echota’s 50 years as a public site, commemorative calendars, posters and shirts have all been designed by this group of dedicated and talented volunteers, Gomez continued.’

‘This land was preserved and the park was created because of the initial interest and efforts of local Calhoun and Gordon County citizens over 50 years ago, and the support of the local community over these years is what has made it a success. I encourage all Gordon county people to attend this program on May 12th and share memories of their New Echota visits and experiences as part of the program.’