CARROLLTON – The 2019 Carrollton Pilgrimage kicks off today with five homes showcased on the tour, as well as the town’s historic churches and several businesses.
According to Carrollton Mayor Pam Lee, five homes will be open for tour, Buckman-Browning House, Cotesworth, Lum Reek, The Oaks, and Wayside. Also open will be Carrollton Baptist Church, Grace Episcopal Church, Carrollton Presbyterian Church, Carrollton United Methodist Church, the Carrollton Courthouse, the Merrill Museum, the Masonic Lodge, Bank of Commerce in Carrollton, and Gee's Store. Tours will be held from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Visitors can also download a free walking tour app "Walking Tour of Carrollton, Mississippi" to learn more about the history of the buildings they are walking by from Walt Grayson.
Tickets for home tours will be sold at the Carrollton Town Hall, 701 Lexington Street between 9 am and 5 pm. Adult tickets are $25 and student tickets are $10.
Pioneer Day
Pioneer Day will be held Saturday, October 5 beginning at 9 a.m. on the historic Carrollton Square. In addition to food vendors, arts and crafts vendors, and educational activities, the first Pilgrimage Car Show will be held across from the Carrollton Methodist Church.
Pilgrimage volunteer Kenny Downs said, “This car show is an open event, and there is no registration nor entry fee. It is open to all antique, classic, and custom cars, trucks, and motorcycles. As part of the event, we are sponsoring a contest and inviting persons with automobiles originally purchased from either of North Carrollton’s car dealerships, Spencer-McCain Chevrolet or Lee Motor Company, to bring their car or truck to the show. The person at the car show who brings the oldest car or truck that was purchase new at either of the two dealerships will be awarded $100.”
Elizabeth Spencer
Mississippi" to learn more about the history of the buildings they are walking by from Walt Grayson.
Tickets for home tours will be sold at the Carrollton Town Hall, 701 Lexington Street between 9 am and 5 pm. Adult tickets are $25 and student tickets are $10.
“On Saturday, the parking lot behind the Carrollton Baptist Church as well as at the Carroll Academy Gym will be open for guest parking,” Lee said. “Transportation provided by Kirk Brothers Powersports of Greenwood will run between the Courthouse and the Gym. Spaces in front on the Merrill Museum will be reserved for handicap parking.”
Pioneer Day
Pioneer Day will be held Saturday, October 5 beginning at 9 a.m. on the historic Carrollton Square. In addition to food vendors, arts and crafts vendors, and educational activities, the first Pilgrimage Car Show will be held across from the Carrollton Methodist Church.
Pilgrimage volunteer Kenny Downs said, “This car show is an open event, and there is no registration nor entry fee. It is open to all antique, classic, and custom cars, trucks, and motorcycles. As part of the event, we are sponsoring a contest and inviting persons with automobiles originally purchased from either of North Carrollton’s car dealerships, Spencer-McCain Chevrolet or Lee Motor Company, to bring their car or truck to the show. The person at the car show who brings the oldest car or truck that was purchase new at either of the two dealerships will be awarded $100.”
Elizabeth Spencer
This year, in celebration of Carroll County’s Literary Tradition, a marker honoring author Elizabeth Spencer, a Carrollton native, will be unveiled at 10 a.m. on Saturday at the Merrill Museum. There will be reading from Spencer’s work on the courthouse steps throughout the day Saturday, and a video interview of the author from her Chapel Hill, N.C., home will be playing in the courtroom on the second floor of the courthouse.
The Carrollton Community House
On Friday, October 4 at 5:30 p.m., a special celebration will be held at the Carrollton Community House in honor of it being included on the National Register of Historic Places. After the unveiling of the new plaque, a family-style picnic lunch will be held on the grounds with music provide by Mack Allen Smith and Barry Smith.
“On Friday night at the Community House, the graveled area beside the Community House will be reserved for those with handicap tags,” Lee said. “The parking immediately in front of the Community House will be angled parking to accommodate more cars. Don't forget that food will be available for purchase beside Gee's Store for those who do not want to bring a picnic supper.”
“Light in the Piazza”
On Saturday night at 7:30 p.m., a special showing of “Light in the Piazza,” based on Elizabeth Spencer’s most famous work will be held at the Tabernacle. Admission is free. Concessions will be provided by the Carrollton-North Carrollton Fire Department.
Lee expressed her gratitude for all of the volunteers who came together to make this year’s Pilgrimage and Pioneer Day a success.
“Community service is an important part of making an event such as the Pilgrimage and Pioneer Day Festival a success. In Carrollton, community service starts early,” she said. “The Carroll Academy Student Council spent several hours cleaning the Merrill Museum from top to bottom this past weekend and will give even more hours during the Pilgrimage and Festival assisting in many ways. To the many volunteers, adults and students, who give so generously of your time and talents, the Pilgrimage and Antiquities Boards say thank you! Your service is appreciated.”
