Thank you for celebrating our Emancipation Festival

We couldn’t have done it without you!




Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate Emancipation Day and 161 years of the longest continuous festival in North America!

August 1, 2023 was the third 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.

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!

Looking forward to celebrating our 162nd Emancipation Festival & Picnic with you!