NEWS RELEASE
MATTER OF BLACK
*********************
Join us for Emancipation Day STC, a vibrant celebration of freedom and community spirit, taking place from July 27 to Aug. 1. This year's events promise an exciting array of activities for everyone to enjoy, culminating in a grand picnic at Lakeside Park in Port Dalhousie on July 28.
Kick-off on July 27: The festivities begin on July 27 with self-guided tours at the historic BME Salem Chapel from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. At noon, attendees can enjoy a special tour talk by historian Rochelle Bush, offering insights into the chapel's important role in the history of emancipation.
Big Picnic at Lakeside Park - July 28: The highlight of Emancipation Day STC is the Big Picnic on July 28 at Lakeside Park in Port Dalhousie. This incredible day will feature:
- Headline performance by LMT: Enjoy a captivating performance by LMT, known for their powerful and soulful music.
- Opening act by Rennatha: St. Catharines native and now Ottawa-based singer, Rennatha, will open for LMT, performing with her band VyBe.
- Spoken word by Dwayne Morgan: Dwayne Morgan has been a fixture in, and an integral part of Canada's Spoken Word and live arts scene.
- Music and dance workshops: Participate in engaging music and dance workshops that celebrate diverse cultural traditions.
- Beach games: Have fun with beach games suitable for all ages.
- Vendor market: Explore a variety of unique products and services from local vendors.
- Food trucks: Delight in delicious offerings from local food trucks, ensuring a great culinary experience.
Aug. 1 Celebrations: The festivities continue on Aug. 1 with:
- Flag raising ceremony at City Hall: Join us at 2 p.m. at City Hall for a flag-raising ceremony, symbolizing unity and freedom.
- Free outdoor film screening of Soul: At dusk, enjoy a free family friendly outdoor screening of the beloved film Soul at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Center, providing a perfect conclusion to the celebrations.
Sponsors: Emancipation Day STC is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors: Accenture, Meridian, the City of St. Catharines, TD Bank, First Ontario Performing Arts Center, and Niagara College. We thank them for their commitment to celebrating freedom, culture, and community.
Emancipation Day STC is an opportunity to reflect on our history, celebrate our achievements, and look forward to a future of unity and inclusivity. We invite everyone to join us in this joyous commemoration of freedom, culture, and community.
********************
