May 29th Parade &
Freedom Festival
Join Us For Emancipation Day of Upson
OUR STRENGTH LIES IN UNITY
GEORGIA'S FREEDOM DAY CELEBRATION!
SCHEDULE
The Parade.
The LineUp
All roads lead to the May 29th Parade & Freedom Festival!
On Saturday May 27, 2023, we will be having a parade!
If you are interested in participating, please make sure you fill out the parade form below by May 20, 2023.
The parade lineup will begin at 10:00am and the parade will start at 11:00am! We invite you to be a part of this historic celebration!
The Route
The parade starts at 900 N Hightower Street, at the old Thomaston Mills Parking Lot. The parade will move down N Bethel Street to East Main Street and make a right turn onto East Main Street, then make a left onto S. Church Street, slight right turn onto Zorn Street and make a right turn onto Martin Luther King Drive. The parade will end at The Speaking Grounds on Martin Luther King Drive! SEE MAP! Join the festival at Lincoln Park!
The Registration
The Program
The History
Thomaston is famous for the Emancipation Celebration, held on or around May 29th! Why the 29th of May? Records show that on May 29, 1865, the slaves of Upson County were brought to town and told they were free!
On May 29, 1866, William Guildford organized the first celebration!
Records show there were 5 speakers for the celebration. They talked about being a peaceful and honest people and forgiveness.
For over 150 years, we have kept the tradition that is The Emancipation Program! We have also continued the traditions of centered themes.
This year our theme is:
Our Strength Lies In Unity
We hope that you can join us at 235 MLK Drive, immediately following the parade for a wonderful program that is sure to impress!
We can't to share our 2023 speaker with you all! We know that a powerful message is on the way!
The Emancipation Committee of Upson
The Festival
Vendors
This website is constantly being updated!
IMPORTANT
If you are interested in being a vendor, please make sure you read all the information before filling out the form.
May 29th Parade & Freedom Festival
Thank you for your interest in being a part of the May 29th Festival. Whether you are interested in being a guest or a vendor, we are honored to have you! Below we have provided some information to help make this a great event for you!
Where is the event located?
235 Martin Luther King Drive, Thomaston, GA 30286
What is the event date and time?
May 27, 2023, 11am - 7pm EST
When can vendors set up?
Saturday, May 27, 2023, 8am - 11am EST
Vendors will be assigned a vending space prior to the event. Once you arrive at Lincoln Park, our staff will instruct you on where your pace is located.
Vendor Site Map / List coming soon.
We have big plans for our Festival this year!
We can't wait to share all the event details with you soon!