HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The city of Hutchinson will hold its annual Emancipation Day next week.
Activities begin on Thursday, July 30 with a symbolic march to the new Chester I Lewis Plaza for a dedication ceremony starting at 5 p.m. The movie "Just Mercy" will then follow at 7 p.m. at the Fox Theatre.
Friday’s activities include the three-point shoot out and jazz entertainment at Avenue A park featuring the George Sander’s Band at 8:00 p.m. The three-day event is highlighted by the annual parade starting at 10:00 a.m. Saturday. The parade will start at Avenue B and run north to 7th and Main. At noon there will be a free picnic at the Stringer Fine Arts Center on the HutchCC campus.
The Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Lincoln started the legal process that resulted in the abolition of slavery in the United States. Although the Emancipation Day Celebrations have its origin in the unique historic experience of Black America, these events are open to people of all races to celebrate and enjoy.