Enjoy an afternoon of music, food, and community at the Annual Emancipation Day Picnic

The Town of Oakville and the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton (CCAH) invite the community to gather for the annual Emancipation Day Picnic on Monday, August 3 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Oakville Museum’s Erchless Estate (8 Navy Street). Join us for this meaningful annual tradition celebrating culture, music, and community. 

Emancipation Day marks the anniversary of the abolition of slavery throughout the British Empire and serves as an opportunity to honour the experiences and achievements of Black Canadians, reflect on our shared history, and recognize the ongoing pursuit of equality, inclusion, and belonging. 

About the picnic 

Bring family and friends, along with your lawn chairs and picnic blankets, for an afternoon of live entertainment featuring The Real Blues Jammers with Michael Branton and Yaadie Tree-O, the ever-popular CCAH Steel Band, an interactive African Drumming session with Drums et al, and more. 

Attendees can also browse a variety of local vendors showcasing unique products and community services throughout the afternoon. Delicious food will be available, including food for purchase and complimentary cold treats from Mr. Iceberg. The afternoon will also include a variety of fun, family-friendly activities. 

Other opportunities to explore Oakville’s role in the Underground Railroad at the Oakville Museum 

Learn more about the stories of resilience, courage, and community that continue to shape our town through a range of engaging heritage experiences:

• Join outdoor guided walking tours at 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. to learn about early Black residents and Oakville’s role in the Underground Railroad
• Visit Freedom, Opportunity and Family: Oakville’s Black History exhibit inside the Oakville Museum
• Watch the multi-media presentation The Underground Railroad: Next Stop Free-dom and hear contemporary perspectives in Legacy Voices I and II

Getting to the museum 

The Oakville Museum is located at 8 Navy Street in downtown Oakville, easily accessible on foot, by bike, or via public transit. Visit the Oakville Transit website for holiday schedules. If you plan to drive, check the online downtown Oakville parking map. 

Background

• Emancipation Day is officially recognized across Canada on August 1, as this is the date in 1834 when slavery was officially abolished across the British Empire. It is a day of reflection and celebration, recognizing the enduring struggles and achievements of Black Canadians and their path to freedom.
• Oakville has a proud connection to this history as a former port of entry along the Underground Railroad. The first Emancipation Day Picnic in Oakville dates to 1850, when Black Canadians from across Ontario would gather in George’s Square to honour their journey and community.

About the Oakville Museum 

• The Oakville Museum connects people to Oakville’s shared heritage through engaging exhibitions, educational programs, collections, and community experiences that explore the stories, places, and people that have shaped our community.

About the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton 

• The Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton is a charitable organization that provides educational programs and services rooted in Caribbean culture for the benefit of the broader Halton community. 

Quotes

"Oakville's Emancipation Day tradition goes back generations. Born from a celebration of freedom, it asks us to reflect honestly and face our history and its challenges. I was proud to have worked with my late friend Veronica Tyrrell in reviving the Emancipation Day Picnic. I invite every resident to Erchless Estate to keep the tradition alive."

-    Mayor Rob Burton

"Emancipation Day reminds us that freedom is more than a moment in history. It is a legacy that calls us to learn, remember, and continue working toward equity and inclusion. At the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton (CCAH), we are honoured to partner with the Town of Oakville to bring our community together in celebration of Black history, culture, and achievement. We look forward to welcoming everyone to this year's Emancipation Day Picnic as we celebrate our shared commitment to community, belonging, and hope for future generations."

-    Olly Hughes, Chair, Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton