The Owen Sound Emancipation Festival will return next month for its 162nd year and continue its own tradition as the longest running emancipation event in North America.
Owen Sound was the northern-most terminus of the Underground Railroad and the local celebration of Emancipation Day, which was officially recognized by the Canadian government in 2021 with the passage of Bill M-36.
The festival chair, Linda Johnson said the group appreciates the generous support from the city and from funders, sponsors, partners, donors, and the federal and county governments.
"I'm honoured to be a part of this not-for-profit organization and broader communities that care about preserving a 162-year legacy honouring Black ancestors and strengthening the ties that bind us together in heritage, emancipation, history and social justice," said Johnson in a news release.
Emancipation Day is Aug. 1, and the Owen Sound festival runs Aug. 2-4 with the following events:
- Aug. 2
- Speaker’s Corner, Grey Roots Museum & Archives, 6–9 pm: Welcome remarks by Dr. Cyrus Sundar Singh and “Following the Notes” presentation; artists' renditions of Mary “Granny” Taylor; storytelling; and The Rise Dance Group performance. Evening entertainment by Brooke Blackburn; $25 admission.
- Aug. 3
- Emancipation Festival & Picnic, Harrison Park, 9 am–6 pm: Crier of the Emancipation`s ceremony; welcome remarks by dignitaries; 20th anniversary Black History Cairn talk; community photo; entertainment by Kaiya Cade Smith Blackburn, Joel Morelli and the Blackburn Brothers; displays, food, and more; event is free and donations appreciated.
- Aug. 4
- Gospel Sunday, Moreston Heritage Village (outdoor stage), noon–3 pm: Blessings and remarks; entertainment by David Sereda and Community Choir, and Liberty Silver; suggested $10 donation is appreciated.
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 to keep the picnic and other traditions alive for future generations.
More information is on event the website, Facebook and Instagram.
