Submitted by Ollie M. Carroll

The May 30th Celebration was started immediately after the Emancipation of Negroes to commemorate the Northern Soldiers who fought the Civil war for the preservation of the Union. It took place on May 30 at Soldiers Memorial church where thousands of people gathered in Salisbury. Around 1935 the Negro Civic League and J.C. Price American Legion Post 107 were the co-sponsors of the annual event. In the mid 1940s the Negro Civic League dissolved and J.C. Price Post became the sole sponsor of this event, and for the past 70 years Post 107 at 1433 Old Wilkesboro Road has sponsored and coordinated the May 30 memorial week celebration with active community involvement and participation.

Although Post officials were uncertain as to whether Post 107 would sponsor a celebration this year, the surrounding community requested loudly that The 30th of May Celebration should be held.

It is currently being co-sponsored by a grant from the Blanche and Julian Robertson Family Foundation. Commander Ollie Mae Carroll announced that the annual Memorial 2017 celebration will commence on Friday, May 26 through Saturday, June 3 on the Post grounds.

No weapons, alcoholic beverages and no dogs (except service dogs) will be permitted on Post grounds. The parking lot on Hall Street is no longer available; no large or heavy trucks will be permitted on the midway. Parking will be allowed free on post grounds through the alleyway on Old Wilkesboro Road on a first come-first serve basis.

Gospel singing will be held Monday- Tuesday- Wednesday, May 29-31 in the Post Home. Master of ceremonies will be George Heggins. On piano will be Keith Holland and a host of professional musicians. Contact Daniel Haddock at 704-637-6231 or Wayne Hill at 704-754-1774 or Marshall Knox at 704-310-6256 if your group is interested in participating in our gospelfest.

Post 107 will provide free cotton candy, popcorn, Sno-Cones and funnel cakes on Friday-saturday, June 2-3. June 2 has been reserved for Special Needs Children from1-5 p.m. Saturday will be open to community children from noon-8 p.m. Music will be by a local deejay on the midway.

“The Magic of Glen” will be presented by magician Glen Yost on Friday. Inflatable bounce houses and games will be provided on Friday and Saturday. Free toys and boxed puzzles will be available for the children. Bicycles will be raffled off at 7 p.m. nightly.

Vendors will be on the midway from Friday, May 26 through Saturday, June 3 with chicken, fish, jewelry, clothing, games and more. The Post officials hope to bring some fun and joy to some of the members in our community youth who might never be able to attend places like Disney World and Six Flags.

Safety rules are in place. EMS and city police protection will be available on the midway.

A Posteverlasting Memorial Service for 2016 dearly departed members will be held at Mt. Tabor Presybyterian Church,Cleveland, on Sunday, May 28 during the morning service. All members, auxiliary and families are invited to attend.

Vendors must comply with Rowan Health Dept rules and obtain a permit 15 days prior to May 26 to participate. Contact Daniel Haddock at 704-637-6251 to reserve a space. The Post will sponsor a tent housing free popcorn, free snocones, free funnel cakes and free cotton candy.

The membership committee will have members explaining benefits of joining Post 107 for eligible veterans.

The House committee will sponsor entertainment in the Post home featuring deejay Danny “D” rom June 1-3d, 9 p.m-2 a.m. Kickoff will be Friday, May 26.

The overall Memorial Week chairman is Commander Ollie Mae Carroll assisted by Haddock, Hill and Harrell. Police and Post security will be in force inside and on post grounds.

Further information can be obtained at 704-637-8068. We need your support in making this the greatest celebration ever. We are doing this for the children. See ya at the celebration Friday, May 26-June 3.