The Owen Sound Emancipation Festival is coming up at the beginning of August and will have a number of events to mark the occasion.
This year is the 162nd year of North America’s longest-running Emancipation Day picnic.
On August 2nd, Dr. Cyrus Sundar Sing will be giving a presentation at Grey Roots Museum & Archives. There will also be storytelling and a dance performance. Admission is $25 and space is limited.
On August 3rd, the Emancipation Festival and Picnic will be happening at Harrison Park From 9-6.
The weekend wraps up on Sunday, August 4th with Gospel Sunday at Moreston Village from 12-3.
The Emancipation Festival, which was originally called the Emancipation Day Picnic, commemorates the Emancipation Act of 1834. Since 1862, descendants of those who escaped slavery gather at venues throughout Owen Sound over the Civic Holiday Weekend.
The purpose of the ongoing events is to celebrate fellowship and reflect with family and community.