The following is a press release from Main Street Stone Mountain and Downtown Development Authority:

Stone Mountain Village Georgia will host a special 150th Anniversary Celebration and Recognition of the Signing of the Emancipation Proclamation on Saturday, January 5th, 2013 at 10:30 am. The event will be held downtown in Stone Mountain Village at the Sherman’s Neck Ties Public Art Sculpture and in the 1st Baptist Church outdoor pavilion.

The event will include ceremonial cannon fire as well as speakers and music. Mayor Pat Wheeler will speak and present a proclamation from the City of Stone Mountain to Rev. Timothy Depp, Pastor of Bethsaida Baptist Church. Other speakers include local historian, George Coletti, invited guest Hermina Avery Glass - Public Historian Researcher National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Associate Director for the Study of the Civil War at Kennesaw State University and invited political guests representing local, state and federal offices.

The event will conclude with a reception immediately following under the outdoor pavilion at the 1st Baptist Church.