Schedule:

1:00 PM – 2:30 PM - Dedication of The Reaves Chapel

Location: Cedar Hill Road NE, Navassa, NC

INVITATION ONLY/RSVP REQUIRED

brings a new event, the dedication ceremony and private reception for the newly restored Reaves Chapel, an historic structure built by newly emancipated African Americans during the late 1800s, which once served as both a religious center and a social and cultural hub for the area’s local Gullah Geechee communities.
Scores of state and local dignitaries, organizational representatives, and community partners have been invited to commemorate this event, which is collectively hosted by the North Carolina Rice Festival, Inc., the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust, and the Cedar Hill/West Bank Heritage Foundation. with the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust and the Cedar Hill/West Bank Heritage Foundation.

5:00 PM - The NC Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Gala

Location: Leland Cultural Arts Center (LCAC), 1212 Magnolia Village Way, Leland, NC 28451

Once again, this event promises an exquisite, Gullah Geechee-themed and inspired, four-course meal, expertly prepared by Festival Culinarian Keith Rhodes. A Gullah Geechee-themed performance by Shea Ra Nichi and The Cultural Ensemble will headline the evening along with speakers from state and local supporting organizations.

Another Gala highlight is its silent auction, which will offer an array of artworks, hand-crafted and curated items, A VIP and unique outdoor and cultural experience packages donated by Festival vendors, to be sold to the highest bidders.  A Cash Bar will be available.

A VIP Reception for donors and sponsors (by invitation only) will precede the Gala at 4:30pm, to be held at the nearby headquarters of WWAY-TV3 , 1224 Magnolia Village Way, Leland. The doors to the Cultural Arts Center will open at 5:00pm for for Gala guests. To expedite the typically full program at this typically sold-out event, dinner service at this year’s Gala will be buffet-style.

Tickets $130/person