Johnny Cash to receive pardon

**213th** · 07-23-07, 01:56 PM

JACKSON, Miss. -- More than 40 years ago, Johnny Cash was arrested in Starkville, Miss. for public intoxication. In one version of the story, police found the late singer as he was picking flowers in someone's yard.

Now, Starkville will hold the Johnny Cash Flower Pickin' Festival in his honor, and organizers hope to issue a ceremonial pardon to the Man in Black.

Organizers said plans include a ceremony at the site where Cash was arrested, a downtown concert honoring Cash's music, and a sermon on redemption.

The festival will take place in early November and any donations will be split between the local Boys and Girls Club and a local heritage museum.

Ward said he hopes to make the event an annual affair.
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