146^th Owen Sound, Emancipation Celebration Festival

Emancipation Festival Receives Boost

Thanks to OTF Grant

"The Emancipation Festival showcases Grey County's proud, but sometimes forgotten history. Owen Sound, Grey County was the last terminus of the Underground Railroad, and people will definitely remember this important part of 'minority' history," said Murdoch. "This grant will allow people in the region and throughout Canada to learn about Grey County's proud past as the end of the Underground Railroad and the beginning of freedom for so many."

The OTF grant will be used to develop partnerships that promote the cultural programs at the 146^th Emancipation Festival in Owen Sound.  The funding will help support collaborative work to increase the impact of the Festival and help educate the populace in minority history, roots and culture through globally recognized speakers and Canadian artists and musicians.

"The Emancipation Festival committee (EFC) wishes to thank OTF for their second year contribution towards promoting Canada's rich cultural history." said Emancipation Festival Chair Dennis Scott

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. "Through this funding, Owen Sound has obtained international status as a safe haven for Underground Railroad freedom seekers which, in turn, has increased and enhanced cultural education, tourism and community collaboration. We are proud in being a model for other communities and cultures in better appreciating their own integrated potential and history."

The Emancipation Festival brings families together and promotes community, roots and cultural appreciation. Individuals interested in celebrating the history, family, culture and community life have been congregating every year on the first weekend of August since 1862 in Owen Sound, the most northerly terminus of the Underground Railroad journey in Canada. The volunteer-led group has also held the Annual Emancipation Celebration Picnic for the last 145 years. Members participate in the development and management of the Black Art Exhibit and Speakers Forum-"Perspectives" (Grey Roots Museum & Archives); in achievement awards presentation to cultural contributors of significance; and in the development and management of an International Emancipation Children's Fund. For more information, please visit www.emancipation.ca.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Government of Ontario. For over 25 years, the Foundation has supported the growth and vitality of communities across the province. OTF continues to strengthen the capacity of the volunteer sector through investments in community-based initiatives. For more information, please visit www.trilliumfoundation.org.