This February, we invite the community to the 43^rd annual Heritage Festival! Celebrate Black History Month with us all day by encouraging our community’s youth during the oration competition, enjoying a special choir performance, shopping African-inspired vendors, and touring the Anniston Museum of Natural History and Berman Museum! Festival Coordinator Georgia Calhoun declared this year’s theme as 43 Years of Poetry Celebrations. Food vendors will be on-site with delicious food options available for purchase. This community event is perfect for people of all ages!

Register your child to compete in the 43^rd annual Heritage Festival Oration Competition. Download the registration form and email it to swoolmaker@annistonal.gov or visit Anniston Museum of Natural History. This special event provides children from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12 the opportunity to develop public speaking skills and strengthen their love for reading, writing, and poetry. Review the Oration Competition Application for details. Registration forms are due by end of day Saturday, February 11, 2023. All oration competition participants receive $10.00, a participation ribbon, and a one-year Family Membership to the Anniston Museums and Gardens. Monetary prizes and ribbons are awarded for 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place of each category during the Awards Ceremony.

To become a 43^rd annual Heritage Festival sponsor, please contact Sarah Woolmaker at swoolmaker@annistonal.gov or call 256-237-6261. Thank you for your support!

Interested in becoming a vendor at the 43rd annual Heritage Festival? Contact Angie Dothard at adothard@annistonmuseum.org or call 256-237-6766. Vendor space is limited. Vendor fee is $40 per business and includes an 8-foot table and two chairs.