Oakville picnic celebrates abolition of slavery
Published July 14, 2022 at 4:36 pm
Oakville is hosting a community celebration to mark the day in history when slavery was abolished in Canada along with the town’s role in the Underground Railroad.
The annual Emancipation Day Picnic is returning to the grounds of the Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate on August 1, 2022 from 1 to 4 p.m.
The event pays tribute to the day slavery was abolished in Canada and throughout the British Empire and recognizes Oakville’s role in the Underground Railroad as a port of entry to Canada.
“Council and I are looking forward to the celebrating Emancipation Day in person with the community. The town played an important role for those who escaped slavery using the Underground Railroad and I am proud of Oakville’s rich heritage and traditions,” said Oakville Mayor Rob Burton. “My late great friend, Veronica Tyrrell of the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton and I worked together to bring back the annual picnic celebrating Emancipation Day back to Oakville.
“May we continue to come together to support and inclusive, diverse and equitable community.”
Residents attending the picnic can also pre-order a free, hot Caribbean meal prepared by Chef Romaine Newell to be enjoyed at the event. With up to 200 meals set to be prepared, attendees are reminded to pre-order now. Hotdogs, chips, and a juice box will be prepared as an alternative meal for children.
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Residents are also encouraged to bring lawn chairs and a blanket to enjoy their pre-ordered hot Caribbean meal while listening to a performance by jazz gospel singer John Campbell and the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton (CCAH) Steelpan Band.
The museum will also be open for tours where residents can learn about Oakville’s early Black History, and explore the multimedia exhibit, The Underground Railroad: Next Stop Freedom.
The Oakville Museum, in partnership with the CCAH, is hosting the picnic, which dates back to 1850, when African Canadians from across the province would gather at Oakville’s George’s Square to honour their journey to freedom.
“Emancipation is an important day that CCAH has celebrated for many years,” said Andrew Tyrrell, CCAH President. “During the pandemic, CCAH pivoted to celebrating with a drive-thru BBQ and entertainment broadcast on television and online.
“We are excited to return to the tradition of welcoming the community in person and observing Emancipation Day, which is now a National Day across Canada.”
The Oakville Museum is located at 8 Navy Street in downtown Oakville and Erchless Estate is easily accessible by foot, bike or public transit.
Residents are reminded to continue following public health guidance to protect yourself and others.
For more information on this event, visit the Oakville Museum page or CCAH page.
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