A year after his death, Bo Diddley is still giving back to the Florida community where he spent the last years of his life.
On Saturday, the City of Archer will hold its Yulee Diddley Day, in honor of its two most famous citizens: rock legend Bo Diddley and railroad pioneer David Levy Yulee.
Celebrating Diddley is a new addition to the festival, following his death about a year ago.
Festival organizers had hoped last year that Diddley would join the Yulee Day parade, but the musician suffered a fatal stroke and his funeral was held on the same day as the festival.
Diddley will be remembered at the festival with a small memorabilia museum, a raffle for a Diddley signature guitar and rock, rap, pop and gospel performances by family members.
The rock 'n' roll world left Diddley wanting more, said Evelyn Kelly, Diddley's daughter.
"He was always an adventurous type, he always wanted his own community, a place where all his family could come and stay and be together," she said. "His old manager mentioned Archer, and he came here and looked for some land and decided he would live here."
When Diddley died, family members created the Bo Diddley Foundation Inc. in his honor, which donates money to local causes, including homelessness. One of the foundation's projects has been the creation of the memorabilia museum, which will debut at the festival on Saturday.
"Since the museum is small, it is not going to be a huge display, but the best items of Diddley's past will be displayed," said Faith Fusillo, Diddley's co-manager and board member of the foundation. The exhibit will include Diddley's stage guitar, gold records, stage costumes and pictures with famous friends like Eric Clapton and Bruce Springsteen. Admission will be $2.
Plans for the museum to go on tour are being discussed, Kelly said.
Also, a signature Bo Diddley red-square Gretsch guitar will be raffled off on Saturday. Tickets will be sold at the Archer post office for $1 apiece.
All revenue from the museum and the raffle will go to the foundation, Fusillo said in a phone interview. The foundation is unsure of which charities will receive money, but all donations will be given within Archer, she said.
The choice to keep contributions local carries on the spirit of Diddley's charity, according to Fusillo.
"Small towns are having financial difficulties during these rough economic times," she said. "If Bo was still here, he would be helping."
Phil Denton, president of the Archer Historical Society, believes that recognizing Diddley will bring more people to the festival than in previous years.
"We are getting a more early excitement this year than past years and a higher level of interest," said Denton, citing 5,000 visitors to last year's festival. "Overall I think it will be the biggest Yulee Day we have had in 15 years."
Saturday evening Diddley's relatives will take the stage as The All Star Jams, which includes at least 15 members, including Diddley's grandson Garry Mitchell "Philosopher G," who performs positive rap music.
Bo influenced all of the family's music abilities, Kelly said.
On Friday, Gainesville will also honor Diddley during this week's Free Friday at Bo Diddley Plaza with a concert by The All Star Jams and remarks from city officials.
"He has done so much for the Gainesville community and the homeless during his lifetime. He deserves this," Kelly said. "Diddley was constantly trying to help the homeless, whether it was donations or free concerts."
