The opening ceremonies in connection with the dedication of WBT's new 25,000-watt transmitter will have an unofficial start this afternoon at 2:30 o'clock when The Observer Carriers' organization is entertained in the auditorium of the newspaper plant by several radio celebrities.
Barbara Maurel, famous Columbia Broadcasting system songbird, who is in Charlotte to be guest artist on the inaugural program tomorrow night, will head the bill being arranged for the carriers by Earle J. Gluck, general manager of the station.
Among the WBT favorites who will take part are Cliff Carlisle, yodeler and singer of hill-billy ballads, Fred Kirby, another hill-billy artist, Bill Davis and his Cotton Blossoms, a string band of six pieces, and a quartet from the Dixie Minstrels composed of Clair Shadwell, Ephraim Lee, Slufoot Lochman, and Irwin Setzer. The various numbers will be introduced by Mr. Shadwell.
The parents of the 125 carriers have been invited to attend. After the radio entertainment, the regular monthly business meeting of the boys will continue.
Miss Maurel appeared in Charlotte a number of years ago and scored a sensational concert success.