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CELEBRATING HISTORY

celebrating
FREEDOM

CELEBRATING TRADITIONS

Discover the history, the traditions, the freedom and community celebrations of the Emancipation Committee of Upson.

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OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH THE YEARS

People. Culture. Tradition. A Celebration That Continues.

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THE MAY 29TH TRADITION

A Celebration of Freedom

The May 29th Emancipation Celebration is a cherished tradition in Upson County. Rooted in a freedom dating back to May 29, 1865, this annual event honors the freedom, resilience, and contributions of our ancestors while continuing to unite our community today.

EXPLORE THE HISTORY
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BE PART OF OUR LEGACY

Become a Member

1

Complete a Membership Application

2

Pay The $50 Annual Membership Fee

LEARN MORE

Want to become an active member?

Attend (2) additional consecutive regular Committee meetings following the meeting at which you became a Member.

Our Signature Event

29th of May
Celebration

📅︎

Date
May 29th, 2027

⚲

Location
Lincoln Park
Thomaston, GA 30286

👥︎

Parade, Community Activities, Food, Entertainment and More!

VIEW EVENT DETAILS
SEE PARADE ROUTE

EMPOWERING YOUNG VOICES

The Future Is Youth Alive

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Connecting the next generation with the people, traditions, and experiences that make our community special. Youth Alive welcomes students in grades 9–12 to be part of a growing legacy.

DISCOVER YOUTH ALIVE

GRADES 9–12

UPCOMING EVENTS

Bringing People Together All Year Long

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A Sweet Night on Candy Lane Christmas Party

December 12, 2026

8:00 P.M.

Semi Formal Event

American Legion

Thomaston, Georgia

VIEW EVENTS
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Emancipation Celebration Revival

January 6, 7, 8, 2027

7:00 p.m. Nightly

New Lincoln Park A.M.E

Thomaston, Georgia

VIEW DETAILS
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MLK Celebration & Revival Week

Celebration

January 18, 2027

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Revival

January 19, 20, 21, 2027

Upson County, Georgia

VIEW EVENTS

Our Fundraising Initiatives

See how we're coming together to support our celebrations, programs

and community traditions.

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SEE MORE FUNDRAISERS
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Support Our Mission

Your generosity helps us preserve our history, honor our heritage, and strengthen our community for generations to come.

♥ MAKE A DONATION

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STORIES FROM OUR COMMUNITY

Our Heritage Journal

Preserving our stories. Celebrating our people. Honoring our legacy.

Keeping the Legacy Alive: Why Your Support Matters

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Keeping the Legacy Alive: Why Your Support Matters

For generations, the Emancipation Celebration has brought families and communities together. Learn why preserving this tradition depends on all of us.

READ STORY →

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HISTORY & HERITAGE

The Tradition Lives On: Emancipation Celebrations in Upson County, 1885–1901

Historic newspaper accounts reveal the early celebrations, families, music, speeches, and shared meals that shaped this enduring tradition.

READ STORY →

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EMANCIPATION HISTORY

Emancipation Celebration; The Early Years

Explore the 133-year history of Thomaston’s Emancipation Celebration and the story behind May 29.

READ STORY →

VIEW ALL STORIES

STAY CONNECTED WITH ECU

Stay in the Know

Be the first to hear about upcoming celebrations, community events, and stories from Our Heritage Journal.

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