The 160th Emancipation Festival celebration will take place from Friday, July 29 to Sunday, July 31 in Owen Sound, the most northern terminus of the Underground Railroad and the longest continuous running emancipation picnic in North America. It will also be the second Emancipation Day celebration since Bill M-36 was unanimously passed in the House of Commons to officially recognize this significant day across Canada.“Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound, in particular the City of Owen Sound (formerly, the Village of Sydenham), is home to a wealth of history from the emancipation movement,” said Alex Ruff, Member of Parliament for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound. “As a terminus point in the infamous Underground Railroad and a settlement point for so many seeking freedom, we have so much to reflect on and celebrate. This especially rings true as we get closer to Emancipation Day, now observed nationally on August 1 every year, after a motion was introduced by MP Majid Jowhari, who represents the riding of Richmond Hill, seconded by myself, and passing unanimously in the House of Commons in March of 2021. I look forward to taking in this year’s installment of the Owen Sound Emancipation Festival which is always a highlight of the summer. I encourage all residents to come out to reflect and enjoy the festivities.”
Event highlights:
Friday, July 29 – Speaker’s Corner, Grey Roots Museum & Archives, 6 – 9 p.m.: Welcome remarks by Jeff Smith, Chair, Emancipation Festival; greetings by Owen Sound’s Mayor Ian Boddy and Georgian Bluffs Mayor Dwight Burley; speaking engagements by Kathy Grant and Diana Braithwaite; and entertainment by Bobby Dean Blackburn and Diana Braithwaite & Chris Whiteley; $20 admission in advance or at the door.
Saturday, July 30 – Emancipation Festival & Picnic, Harrison Park, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Meet and greet; Crier of the Emancipation Bruce Kruger’s ringing in ceremony; Black History Cairn talk by Bonita Johnson-deMatteis; gospel music by Gael Miller-Jackson; welcome remarks by Jeff Smith, Chair, Emancipation Festival; greetings by Alex Ruff, Member of Parliament for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound and Ian Boddy, Mayor of Owen Sound; entertainment by the Trevor MacKenzie Band, Blackburn and the Sattalites with special guests Bobby Dean Blackburn and Liberty Silver; displays, food vendors, and activities.
Sunday, July 31: Gospel Sunday, Grey Roots Museum & Archives (outdoor stage), noon – 3 p.m.: Welcome remarks by Jeff Smith, Chair, Emancipation Festival; entertainment by Diana Braithwaite & Chris Whiteley and Liberty Silver with Eddie Bullen.
“We are excited to host the first in-person events since 2019 as we continue to preserve a 160-year legacy to honour Black ancestors and host a stellar line up of speakers and performers,” said Jeff Smith, Chair of the Emancipation Festival. “As a not-for-profit organization, we are grateful for the support from all our funders, sponsors, partners, donors and volunteers.
"The Emancipation Festival, originally called the Emancipation Day Picnic, commemorates the British Commonwealth Emancipation Act of August 1, 1834. Since 1862, descendants of those who escaped slavery and found freedom and peace in Canada, gather in Owen Sound`s beautiful Harrison Park and other places such as the Grey Roots Museum and Archives over the Civic holiday weekend. This is a time for fellowship and reflection with family and community, to share memories, and keep the picnic and other traditions alive for future generations."
More information about the Emancipation Festival not-for-profit organization is on the website, or connect with us on Facebook or Instagram.
source: media release
