One of North America’s longest running Emancipation Picnics takes place in Owen Sound this weekend.
The 146th Emancipation Festival runs Friday through Sunday.
Owen Sound is considered the Underground Railroad’s most northerly safe-haven.
Organiser Lisa Scott says this year’s theme is “Community Roots and Culture”, and the weekend will feature a wide variety of events and activities.
A Speakers Forum will be held at Grey Roots on Friday, featuring former confidante of Martin Luther King Jr — Reverend James Lawson, Karolyn Smardz-Frost, and Bonita Johnson de Matteis.
The Emancipation Picnic will be held Saturday from 1 – 9 PM at Harrison Park with live music, games, and races.
Scott says everyone is welcome to attend and there will be food vendors featuring some culturally-related foods.
On Sunday the BME Church will be host to “BME Gospel” from 2-6 PM.
Already underway is the Emancipation Festival Art Show at the Grey Roots Museum and Archives.
The show of fine art, sculpture, crafts and film runs until August 10th
