Centennial Celebration

Next year, 2008, is the centennial of Joel Chandler Harris’ death.

(Harris’ grave is in Westview Cemetery, beautiful and not far from the Wren’s Nest)

Here’s my responsibility–come up with something awesome to do.

Ideally a commemoration would be meaningful, fun, profitable, visible, and chock-full of celebrities.

Take, for example, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference celebrating its 50th anniversary held this weekend in Atlanta.

(photo courtesy of M.K. Harris, AJC)

They’re unveiling a new building, celebrating Civil Rights stuff around town, and drawing big-time politicos and celebrities, like Bill Clinton and Barak Obama (on his birthday, no less). That’s big time.

Here’s what I’ve come up with so far for the Wren’s Nest in 2008–_________.

Yikes.

100 year anniversaries don’t come around that often! It seems like such a tall order! And it’s not like we’re lacking tall orders around these here parts.

Here’s what we did for the 90 year celebration–

(That’s me alright, being cool …like I am.)

A humble dedication at Joel Chandler Harris’ grave.

I’m no expert, but I think our 100 year celebration should be nestled somewhere between our 90 year dedication and the huge event the SCLC has going on this weekend.

Bright ideas are greatly appreciated.