Credit: Town of Cornelius

Feb. 23. The 50th anniversary of the annexation of Smithville to the town of Cornelius will be celebrated Saturday, Feb. 25, at the “Smithville Was. Smithville Is. Smithville Will BE.” event.

The town of Cornelius, Cornelius Parks & Recreation, Smithville CommUNITY Coalition and Cain Center for the Arts organized the celebration for noon-2 pm Saturday, Feb. 25, at the Cain Center, 21348 Catawba Ave.

Keynote speakers Ron Potts, Sammie Knox, Raquel Ramseur and Lisa Mayhew-Jones will present the history of the Smithville community.

More activities:

—Art exhibit by John R. Miles III

—Performance by Drums 4 Life

—Poetry reading by Maurice J. Norman

—Musical performances by Union Bethel AME Zion Church and Torrence Chapel AME Zion Church

—Children’s activities

—Post-event light refreshments

The community event is free.