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Cision Canada
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Cision Canada
Celebrate Emancipation Day 2025: Pressed, Poured, Plated and Played at the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History Français
DRESDEN, ON, /CNW/ - On Saturday, August 2, visit the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History, operated by the Ontario Heritage Trust, for an Emancipation Day celebration of hope and freedom commemorating the end of slavery in Canada on August 1, 1834. This year's program theme, Pressed, Poured, Plated and Played, celebrates how Black culture is shared and experienced across generations through crafts, drinks, food and music. Visitors can use a letterpress to make a souvenir bookmark, enjoy a beer poured by Black-owned Mascot Brewery, sample West-African food from Yaya's Kitchen and listen and dance to musical performances throughout the day. "Emancipation Day is a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and enduring legacy of Black communities in Ontario, across Canada and around the world," said Graham McGregor, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism. "Events like this one at the Josiah Henson Museum offers an opportunity to honour the past, celebrate cultural expression, and reaffirm our commitment to building a stronger province for all. I encourage everyone to take part in this important day of reflection, learning, and celebration." "On Emancipation Day, we are reminded of the struggle for freedom and the courage that it required. The Josiah Henson Museum's celebration reinforces the importance of pursuing freedom, justice and human rights in Ontario's heritage." — John Ecker, Chair of the Board of Directors for the Ontario Heritage Trust This year, the event will run from 11 a.m. through 2 p.m. The full schedule of events is as follows: 11:05 a.m. — Marque Smith piano performance Enjoy a soulful performance of ragtime and jazz renditions of historically significant songs by acclaimed pianist Marque Smith. 11:25 a.m. — Dr. Claudine Bonner author talk A leading scholar in Black Canadian history, Dr. Bonner discusses her upcoming book, The Black Press: A Shadowed Canadian Tradition. 11:45 a.m. — Artists in Motion (AIM) dance performance Watch this powerful multidisciplinary dance showcasing Afro, hip-hop and contemporary styles. 11:55 a.m. — Yaya's Kitchen food demonstration and sampling Taste the flavours of northern Nigeria and the Sahel. Maryam and Malvin Wright bring curated cuisine to the Emancipation Day festivities. 12:25 p.m. — Remarks 12:35 p.m. — Lunch break Visitors can explore the site and purchase food from Beef Meatz Bun or Truckn' Mama's food trucks. 1:25 p.m. — Farley Flex inspirational talk A prominent Black figure in Canada's music industry, Flex has launched careers, opened doors and used his platform as a Canadian Idol judge and promoter to elevate diverse voices in entertainment. 1:40 p.m. — Garnetta Cromwell & DaGroovmasters live music performance Get ready to dance! Garnetta Cromwell and her band DaGroovmasters electrify the crowd with their R&B, soul and funk. Their feel-good rhythms bring energy, joy and celebration to every audience. Emancipation Day is supported by RBC. Stay connected Follow the Ontario Heritage Trust on Facebook, X, Bluesky, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube. Subscribe to the Heritage Matters ... more! e-newsletter. #ONheritage About the Ontario Heritage Trust The Trust is committed to preserving our cultural and natural heritage and ensuring its continued relevance for future generations. We are working towards an Ontario where heritage is not only preserved and valued, but is celebrated, enjoyed and used as a source of inspiration. The Trust will be a beacon in an Ontario where heritage is preserved, protected and promoted in ways that are sources of pride for all Ontarians. About the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History The Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History is owned and operated by the Ontario Heritage Trust. This site celebrates the life and work of Reverend Josiah Henson and explores the history of the Underground Railroad in Ontario. The museum provides a space to discuss the legacy of slavery and racism and the enduring pursuit for social justice. Visit our website to learn more.
Hamilton Spectator
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
10 things to do on Canada Day in Hamilton and area
Even though Canada Day is not on the weekend this year, there are several events planned for the statutory holiday. Here are some local places to go for Canada Day celebrations. The city will host the Canada Day extravaganza at Bayfront Park, 200 Harbour Front Dr., in Hamilton, on Tuesday, July 1. The fireworks display will start at 10 p.m. A food truck rally, inflatables and kids' program Creative Club will start at 1 p.m. Games, balloon artists, airbrush artists and stilt walkers will start at 4 p.m. There will also be a jam session, local Hamilton youth performers, comedy juggler Craig Douglas and a performance from Garnetta Cromwell and DaGroovemasters. While the festival starts Saturday, it runs through Tuesday, July 1 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. The free festival will feature headliner The Northern Pikes starting at 9:30 p.m. July 1. VIP Beer Garden tickets are $35 per day. Attendees can enjoy pizza, chicken wings and beer from the rooftop terrace at Joseph Brant Museum, 1240 North Shore Blvd. E., in Burlington, on Tuesday, July 1 from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. The event ends with the city's Canada Day drone and fireworks show at 9:40 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Tickets are $50 and include pizza, chicken wings, ice cream and one beer or sangria. To buy tickets, go to . The celebration will feature performances from the Regimental Band of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada Pipes and Drums, and the Argyllshire Dancers. The free event is held at Dundurn National Historic Site, 610 York Blvd., in Hamilton, on Tuesday, July 1 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. For more details, go to . The HMCS Haida National Historic Site, Pier 9, 658 Catharine St. N., in Hamilton, will host a free celebration on July 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Attendees can explore the Tribal-class destroyer and learn about sailors who served on the ship. Regularly scheduled programs will not be running on Canada Day. Go to for details. The City of Brantford will host performances from Canadian singers, a vendors' market, a carnival, midway and food vendors at Lions Park's Steve Brown Sports Complex, 20 Edge St. The celebration starts on Tuesday, July 1 at 11 a.m. and ends with fireworks at 10 p.m. There will also be a free photo booth from 2 to 8 p.m. and a stilt walker performance. Go to for more details. Ancaster Mill, 548 Old Dundas Rd., will feature a Canadian-inspired lunch and dinner menu, including beaver tails, poutine and butter tarts, on Tuesday, July 1. Their à la carte menu will be available all day. Lunch is from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner is from 5 to 8 p.m. The City of Burlington celebration will start with the VRPRO Canada Day 5K Run at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 1 at Spencer Smith Park, 1400 Lakeshore Rd. There will then be free yoga in the park at noon on the compass near the west lawn. The event will feature food and marketplace vendors, a kids zone and performances. The drone show starts at about 9:40 p.m., followed by the fireworks show at 10 p.m. Go to for the full lineup. The Rotary Club of Dundas will host a Canada Day celebration on Tuesday, July 1 from 8 to 11:30 a.m. at Dundas Driving Park, 71 Cross St. A pancake breakfast with a sausage is $10 for people 11 years and older, $5 for four to 10 years old and free for children under three. Tickets can be bought at the event, which will feature live music, face painting, coffee, tea and power lifting. Go to for more details. The schedule is packed for Canada Day in Lynden. The parade is set for 3 p.m., with a classic car show, bingo and live music throughout the day at 4070 Governors Rd. The opening ceremony is at 4 p.m. and fireworks start at dusk. For the full schedule, go to . Cheyenne Bholla is a reporter at The Hamilton Spectator. cbholla@
