Celebrating Emancipation Day 160th!

Join us to celebrate Emancipation Day and 160 years of the longest continuous festival in North America! August 1, 2022 will be the second Emancipation Day since Bill M-36 was unanimously passed in the House of Commons to officially recognize this significant day across Canada.

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, gathering 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.

Preview of the festivities

Friday, July 29, 6 – 9 p.m.: Speaker’s Corner, Grey Roots Museum & Archives, 102599 Grey Road 18, RR4

-Opening remarks: Jeff Smith, Chair of the Emancipation Festival and Mayor Ian Boddy

-Guest speakers: Diana Braithwaite and Kathy Grant

-Entertainment: Bobby Dean Blackburn and Diana Braithwaite & Chris Whiteley

-$20 in advance (online) or in person. Space is limited. Appetizers and refreshments will be provided.

Saturday, July 30, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Festival and Picnic, Harrison Park, 137 2nd Avenue East

-Meet and greet, light breakfast/coffee (while quantities last)

-Blessing by Valerie Tillman, greetings by Town Crier Bruce Kruger, About the Black History Cairn by Bonita Johnson-deMatteis, a commemorative celebration and gospel music by Gael Miller-Jackson

-Entertainment by the Trevor MacKenzie Band, Blackburn and the Satellites (special guests include Bobby Dean Blackburn and Liberty Silver)

-Displays, food vendors, races and more!

Sunday, July 31, noon – 3 p.m.: Gospel Sunday, Grey Roots Museum & Archives (outdoor stage)

-Blessing by Valerie Tillman

-Entertainment by Diana Braithwaite & Chris Whiteley and Liberty Silver with Eddie Bowen

With sincere gratitude

The Emancipation Festival, a not-for-profit organization, is grateful for the support from government, community organizations, businesses, individuals and volunteers. We couldn’t have done this without you!