By April Garon

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — Connect with history at a memorial ceremony honoring a Civil Rights icon, celebrate the ultimate summer fruit and listen to an acclaimed storyteller weave a yarn this weekend all in the hot, summer sun.

Temperatures are predicted to stay in the mid 90s with only a slight chance of thunderstorms Friday and Saturday, making the weekend weather good, if a little hot, for things to do in the Miss-Lou.

Alcorn State University Medgar Evers Memorial Dedication

Alcorn State University is unveiling the new Medgar Evers memorial today at a dedication ceremony on the Lorman campus. The 13-foot bronze statue was designed and constructed by sculptor Ed Dwight to honor Evers. Dwight is known for his many monuments located across the country honoring Martin Luther King Jr., President Obama, Frederick Douglass and other historical figures.

Evers, a civil rights activist, is an alumnus of the university and graduated in 1952. The ceremony is open to the public and begins at 10 a.m. Seating begins at 8:30 a.m. The Torch of Justice Awards luncheon will follow the ceremony at noon and feature renowned PBS television host Travis Smiley. Artists Take 6 and Lalah Hathaway will provide entertainment. Awards will be presented to individuals who have demonstrated contributions in the name of justice. Tickets are $60 per person and $1,000 per table of 10. Call 601-877-6296 or go to mememorial.org for more information.

Blueberry Festival

Blueberry lovers can celebrate the delicious summer fruit at the Blueberry Festival. A number of vendors will provide arts, crafts and foods such as pie, ice cream and lemonade, all with a unique blueberry twist.

A Yazoo City barbecue team that will be featured on the TLC reality television show “BBQ Pitmasters” Sunday will also be at the festival handing out samples and greeting festival-goers. EDEE Solar Systems, a Mississippi solar-power company, aims to raise awareness of solar green energy by powering the entertainment equipment and will be on hand to for those who want to learn more about solar energy. Activities start at 10 a.m. Saturday on the bluff in front of the Grand Hotel. Admission is free and proceeds benefit the Natchez Stewpot. Call 601-597-8006 to find out more.

Storyteller Sylvia Davis at Concordia Library

Concordia Library is hosting storyteller Sylvia Davis today as part of their summer reading program. Davis has been telling stories for years and is a member of National Storytelling Network and many other storytelling organizations. The Ferriday branch will host Davis at 10:15 a.m., and she will perform at 2 p.m. at the Vidalia branch. Admission is free and the public is welcome. Call the Ferriday Branch at 318-757-3550 and the Vidalia Branch at 318-336-5403 for more information.