Bobby Dean Blackburn and Cliff Heipel open the 161st Emanicipation Festival with their social-hour set before the Speaker's Corner at Grey Roots Museum, Friday, Aug. 4.

The 161st celebration of Emancipation Day in Owen Sound enlivened the Civic Holiday long weekend in a three-day festival featuring the arrival of a pod of American cyclists at the Black History Cairn in Harrison Park Saturday.

The nine-man crew traced a route followed by aboliitionist Harriet Tubman, beginning a 15-day journey from south of the Mason Dixon Line to the northern-most terminus of the Underground Railroad.

The squad's 15-day trek took them up Chesapeake Bay along Maryland's east shore, through New York State to Ms. Tubman's home and resting place in Auburn, then into Ontario and the Saugeen peninsula.

The annual festival began with the traditional Friday evening Speaker's Corner at Grey Roots Museum and Archives, followed by a pancake breakfast at Harrison Park Saturday and an afternoon of picnicking and music after opening ceremonies at the Black History Cairn.

The Get Free Get Funky After Party laid down a sweet vibe at Heartwood Hall Saturday evening.

Gospel Sunday, with a merciful noon-time start, filled Grey Root's outdoor bandstand greenspace with soothing standards by keyboardist and vocalist Bobby Dean Blackburn.

Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley followed, chilling with their band, sharing gospel and blues with an appreciative audience on a perfect summer's afternoon.

Evangelist Valerie Tillman with greetings and blessings.

Bonita Johnson DeMatteis, right, shares the stories of the Cairn.

Crier Of The Emancipation Bruce Kruger with a mix of history and tradition.

The Freedom Trail, the northern terminus of the Underground Railroad, and the Black History cairn, where MPP Rick Byers welcomes the UGRR 9.

Brotherhood at the end of the journey.

Chippewa Travellers grace the Festival, and inspire our community with a welcoming dance.

Reflection, participation and observation bring a community to Harrison Park.

Harrison Park showcases Emancipation Festival displays.

Where there's a picnic, there's picnic tables – and picnickers to make use of them.

It's never over until the selfies are done – the picnic basket can wait!

Framing is everything for this photographer, perfectly positioned on a picnic table, as Bobby Dean Blackburn opens Gospel Sunday at Grey Roots Museum.

Green grass and shady trees make the Grey Roots bandstand a relaxing venue.

Lawn chair technology has come a long way in 161 years.

Bobby Dean Blackburn engages during his set.

Diana Braithwaite, centre, and Chris Whiteley, left, supported by renowned bassist Ron Johnston, close out the 161st edition of Emancipation Festival at Grey Roots Museum and Archives.

.............

– by Hub staff
David Galway