“It will be a very simple, very educational day,” Lori Medlin, president of the Halifax County Convention and Visitors Bureau said today. “It's a day to honor freedom seekers.”

Saturday will mark the unveiling of two signs that further designate the area as part of the National Parks Service Network to Freedom.

(See related story by following this link. A PDF with the entire event calendar is attached at the end of this story)

Historic Halifax has already earned the designation. On Saturday the Roanoke River and Roanoke Canal Trail will be recognized as part of the network.

The project began in 2013 when the HCCVB set out to explore historic interpretations of the Underground Railroad in the county, Medlin said in a statement.

The HCCVB hired David Zonderman of North Carolina State University to consult and create an interpretive plan for the county. “We've been working on this for three years and did a lot of research,” Medlin said. “We feel very good about our research and accomplishments.”

The day begins

The first part of the program begins at 9 a.m. at the Roanoke Canal Museum with the first sign dedication.

The program includes:

A hymn by Jackie Pittman

A reading with a moment of silence by Napoleon Hill

A greeting by Roanoke Rapids Mayor Emery Doughtie.

Remarks by Zonderman.

Sign dedication with Randall Spence, cultural resources leader and museum director for the city.

A reading by Sandra Bryant.

9:30 a.m to 12:30 p.m.

Walking on the Roanoke Canal Trail with interpretation for trail walkers.

A shuttle service between the Roanoke Canal Museum; River Road parking; Aqueduct parking and River Falls Park will be provided as needed.

The Roanoke-Salem Ensemble will perform at the Aqueduct when the walking group arrives.

12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

A sign dedication at River Falls Park in Weldon.

Weldon Town Commissioner Kimberley Robinson will present a reading.

Weldon Mayor Julia Meacham will present a welcome to Weldon.

Halifax County Board of Commissioners Chairman Vernon Bryant will welcome elected officials, offer a summary of the project and present the sign unveiling.

Michele Lanier will present a reading and commentary.

Congressman G.K. Butterfield will make remarks.

Bishop Dready Manning will present a musical performance.

1:30 p.m. until

There will be food music performances, art and historic interpretation.

For more information visit www.visithalifax.com or call 800-522-4282.