It's a grey, hot day already at the farmette. Calling for rain later this afternoon. We got a (very) isolated downpour on Friday that lasted about 15 minutes and brought more than a half inch of rain to the gauge. Rob had to do some shop-vaccing in the basement. Something we haven't had to do for a while.
Anyhow, after the cleanup, we were able to get out to Owen Sound yesterday to the 162nd Emancipation Festival, formerly known as a Picnic. It's the oldest event of its kind in North America, and it celebrates the terminus of the Underground Railway that spirited escaped slaves to freedom.
Lots of families of all colours, creeds and cultures gathered in Harrison Park to mark the occasion.
We managed to make it there just as the opening ceremonies were starting.
A town crier led the way from the front entrance of the park to the commemorative cairn that was opened twenty years ago to honour those who made the treacherous journey to set up new lives in what was then the village of Sydenham. The cairn is behind and under the folks in the photo.
After the land acknowledgement, the M'Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre Drummers, an all-women's group, started things off with a couple of fantastic songs (pictured on the left). A rousing dedication about how we are tied together by food, family, friends and faith from a local clergywoman (whose lineage dated back to one of the Underground Railway's escapees) was followed by the town crier's (on the right) speech - which was a barn burner. He spoke about the significance of reflecting on our history and making sure we respect one another in the present. With the way the world is going today, I think we need to take this message to heart more than ever.
There was fantastic food and music and lots of laughter from the families who were picnicking at the park.
It's been a while since we visited, and I'd forgotten how beautiful it is. There are lots of mature trees, which were much-needed because it was a scorcher. They lined the Sydenham river, which provided an oasis away from the burning sun - for people and birds.
An enclosed area with lots of shade and a wee pond is home to swans and ducks. There was one swan preening as s/he floated gracefully along.
And a very determined female duck was grazing the bottom of the pond. I took about five 'all tails up' shots of her. I think this is the best one.
All in all, a great day was had by all in Grey County, yet again. Until next week.
Gratuitous cat photo courtesty of Calvin, who was exhausted after a day of napping.
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