The 160th Emancipation Festival is set to go in Owen Sound this weekend.
The event is running from Friday to Sunday, July 29-31. It will also be the second annual event since the unanimous passing of bill M-36 by the House of Commons to officially recognize Aug. 1 as Emancipation Day.
There will be a variety of events throughout the weekend. The main Emancipation Festival and Picnic will take place on Saturday at Harrison Park.
Emancipation Festival Chair Jeff Smith says: “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.”
July 29 will start the festivities with a speaking event at the Grey Roots Museum and Archives from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Welcome remarks will be given by Smith, and greetings by Owen Sound Mayor Ian Boddy, as well as Georgian Bluffs Mayor Dwight Burley. Speaking engagements will be given by Kathy Grant and Diana Braithwaite, and entertainment will be provided by Bobby Dean Blackburn, and Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley. There will be a $20 admission to be paid either in advance or at the door.
On July 30, Harrison Park will host the Emancipation Festival and Picnic from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. It will feature a meet and greet, Black History Cairn talk by Bonita Johnson-deMatteis, gospel music by Gael Miller-Jackson, welcome remarks by Smith, Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MP Alex Ruff and Boddy, as well as entertainment by Trevor MacKenzie Band, Blackburn and the Sattalites. There will also be displays, food vendors, and activities.
MP Ruff says the area, and in particular Owen Sound, is home to a wealth of history from the emancipation movement.
“As a terminus point in the infamous Underground Railroad and a settlement point for so many seeking freedom, we have to much to reflect on and celebrate. This especially rings true as we get closer to Emancipation Day, now observed nationally on Aug. 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 instalment 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,” says Ruff.
The festivities will end on July 31 at the Grey Roots Museum and Archives outdoor stage from noon to 3 p.m. with welcoming remarks made by Smith, and entertainment by Braithwaite and Whiteley, and Liberty Silver with Eddie Bullen.
