Citizens and visitors will celebrate the anniversary of the establishment of the City of Washington next Friday, January 23, at 12:30 p.m. on The Square in front of Wilkes County courthouse, organizers say.

The purpose of the event is to celebrate the founding of Washington on January 23, 1780, and to publicize the Revolutionary Days Celebration planned for February 13, 14 and 15.

Next Friday's event will open with a welcome by Washington Mayor Pro-Tem Pamela Eaton, who will acknowledge the birthday of the city, and read the City of Washington Proclamation.

Georgia Society of the Sons of the American Revolution President Bobby Towns and Carol Faz, Regent of the Kettle Creek DAR, will speak, along with local historian Skeet Willingham, who will describe the founding of Washington in 1780.

The Georgia Society SAR Color Guard will present the colors, including raising a Betsy Ross Flag on the Court House flag pole, and Bartram Trail Regional Librarian Lillie Crowe will describe Revolutionary Days' impact on Wilkes County schools and the Mary Willis Library.

Walker Chewning, SAR Chairman of the 2009 celebration, will speak on highlights of the 230th Anniversary of Battle of Kettle Creek activities, and Tourism Director Ashley Barnett will describe Revolutionary Days' impact on Washington- Wilkes tourism.

The ceremony is expected to last 30 minutes and is open to the public.