MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — One of Hutchinson’s most cherished and historic events returns next weekend, as the community comes together for the 136th annual Emancipation Celebration—a three-day gathering honoring freedom, unity, and the ongoing pursuit of justice.
Toyla Frondorf and J.K. Vann previewed the celebration, which runs from Friday, Aug. 1, through Sunday, Aug. 3. The weekend includes a mix of family-friendly events, cultural observances, food, music, and community connection, centered primarily at Hutchinson Community College.
“This event has endured for over a century because it brings people together,” Vann said. “It’s not just about the past—it’s about acknowledging where we are today and continuing the work to eliminate discrimination in all its forms.”
Friday Festivities: Fun, Basketball, and Jazz
The celebration kicks off at 5 p.m. Friday with Family Fun Night at HutchCC's Central Park, featuring bounce houses, free hot dogs, face painting, a cakewalk, and other kid-friendly activities.
At 6 p.m., the action moves indoors to the Hutchinson YMCA for a three-point shootout. The free event is open to all ages, with sign-ups beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Friday wraps with a special “Jazz in the Park” concert at 8 p.m. featuring the Hutchinson Community College Jazz Band, bringing smooth sounds to the summer evening at Central Park.
Saturday: Parade, Picnic, and Dance
Saturday starts with the Emancipation Parade at 10 a.m., beginning at Avenue B and Adams and traveling north along Main Street to 12th Avenue. Anyone interested in participating in the parade can contact chairperson Kathy Fuller to join.
Following the parade, festivities shift back to HutchCC with a community picnic and barbecue at noon at Stringer Fine Arts Center. The picnic will include the official reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, recognition of parade winners, and an address from this year’s parade marshal, Robert Green.
“This is the heart of the weekend,” Vann said. “There’s just something powerful about sharing food and stories while surrounded by friends, old and new.”
The day concludes with a community dance at 9 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus, 1200 W. 15th Ave. Admission is $15 per person or $25 per couple, and attendees must be 21 or older.
Sunday: Gospel and Ice Cream to Close
The celebration wraps up Sunday with the beloved Gospel Fest at 3 p.m. in the Gallery Theatre at Stringer Fine Arts Center. Vann emphasized the deep roots of gospel music in African American history, calling it a bridge between generations and a message of enduring faith.
“It’s healing. It’s heritage. It’s history,” he said.
Immediately following Gospel Fest, guests are invited to the annual ice cream social, a tradition started by Dr. Hence Parson and closes the weekend on a sweet, communal note.
A Centralized Celebration
This year, organizers made a conscious effort to centralize most activities at Hutchinson Community College to make it easier for attendees to stay engaged throughout the weekend.
“We want to move beyond just attendance,” Vann said. “We want full participation. That means making it easier for people to show up and be part of it.”