"The purpose is to familiarize people with Belton history and make them aware of pioneers buried at the South Belton Cemetery," said Nancy Kelsey, spokeswoman for the event.
She said the colorful occasion features participants dressed in period attire, including members of the Robert M. White Chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, the Yellow Roses, a women's auxiliary to the Sons organization, the Sam Houston Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas and the Daughters of the War of 1812.
At 2 p.m. Friday, the Daughters of the War of 1812 will place a marker on the grave of William W. Henry, a veteran of that war buried there.
On Saturday, more than 30 students from Sparta Elementary School will give living history demonstrations of Belton's pioneers from 9 a.m. to noon at the cemetery.
"They will portray different people buried there by telling about the person's life and their significance in Belton history," Ms. Kelsey said.
At 10 a.m., the Daughters of the Republic of Texas will affix markers to five headstones of Belton pioneers from the era of the Texas War of Independence. The honored will include Henry C. Cooke, a veteran of the war; John Crockett Burriss, a defender who served in the militia after the war; and citizens Sarah B. Sparks McAnulty, Mary Caddel and Henry B. Bishop.
Guests may tour the homes from noon to 3 p.m. Tour tickets will be available at the cemetery in the morning or at the home tour. Docents will dress in period attire.
Rocky Sprott, a member of the Sons of the Confederacy said 20-25 volunteers - some members of the Sons and others interested parties - have worked about 300 hours during the last 18 months to restore the Belton South Cemetery. The project is a joint venture between the City of Belton and the Sons organization that began in April 2008.
The fence has been restored, and the city built paved parking on Penelope Street and installed a wrought iron arch over the entry. Volunteers have hauled away rubble and righted and power washed gravestones damaged by vandals.
"It has come a long way," said Sarah Dorn, spokeswoman for the DRT Sam Houston Chapter. "Ten years ago it looked pitiful."
Ms. Kelsey said ancestors of people buried there are expected from as far away as Wisconsin and Georgia Saturday.
"We should take pride in our heritage," Sprott said. It's a testament to the courage of our ... forbearers. These are the people ... who built this country."
Proceeds from the event will go to continued restoration and maintenance of the cemetery.
DID YOU KNOW?
HOME TOUR ADMISSION: $10 for adults, children admitted free
HAYRIDE: A hay-filled wagon will take participants from the parking lot at Penelope and Central Avenue out to Belton South cemetery. It will cost $1 per person.
HISTORY ON THE HILL
Friday
2 p.m.: The Daughters of the War of 1812 will place a marker on the grave of a veteran of the War of 1812 at the Belton South Cemetery, 600 S. Penelope Street
Saturday
9 a.m. to noon: Costumed living history presentation about Belton pioneers and medallion dedications at the Belton South Cemetery.
Noon to 3 p.m.: Belton Historic Home Tour
nPhotos from Belton's past at these addresses along Central Avenue: Wilson's at 106; Aida's at 110; Britt Drug at 112; Nellie's Antiques at 216, and Cochran Blair and Potts at 221. Also 400 S. Main and at the Lena Armstrong Library at 301 E. First Avenue.
ON THE TOUR
Alexander-Spurgin House built in 1871 at 400 S. Main
nThe Allen-Brown House owned by Wes and Aida Riddle was built in 1878 at 410 N. Main St.
The Baggett House owned by Bruce and Valerie Mercer was built in 1886 at 1018 N. Main St.
The Tyler-Embree House owned by Al and Linda Lowe was built in 1879 at 703 N. Penelope St. Half was destroyed by fire in 1905 and rebuilt.
First United Methodist Church was built in 1886 at 205 E. Third Ave., and church members will serve as docents.
