Emancipation Day

+ MAY 29TH CELEBRATION +

Join Our Historic Parade

Bands
Dance lines
Horses

Small Businesses
Show Cars
ATVs

+ MAY 29TH CELEBRATION +

Guides For You

THE LINE UP

All roads lead to the Emancipation Celebration — also known as the May 29th Festival! We are excited to have you join us for our parade on Saturday, May 24, 2025! If you are interested in participating, please make sure to complete the Parade Application.
Here’s what you need to know for parade day:
Parade Registration Begins: 9:00 AM
Line-up Starts: 10:30 AM
Parade Starts: 11:00 AM
Upon arrival, participants will check in at designated gates based on their entry type:
Gate A — Section A: Go-karts, ATVs, UTVs, Motorcycles, Dirt Bikes, Golf Carts, and Bicycles
Important: All participants under 17 must have a parent / guardian sign a waiver and helmets are required.
Gate B — Section B: Bands, Dance Lines, Walking Groups, Organizations, Small Businesses, Floats, Cars, Trucks, and Political Candidates
Gate C — Section C: Horses
Important: Horses must have a manure catcher attached.
Please arrive early enough to complete check-in and get lined up on time. We appreciate your cooperation and can’t wait to celebrate with you!

THE ROUTE

The Emancipation Celebration Parade will begin at 900 N. Hightower Street in the old Thomaston Mills parking lot.
From there, the parade will travel down North Bethel Street, then turn right onto Thompson Street near Jump 4 Fun GA.
The parade will continue along Thompson Street and make a left onto South Church Street near Alfa Insurance and the 5 Tower Events Center.
The parade will officially end at 500 S. Center Street, near Southside BP.
We encourage everyone to line the streets, cheer on the participants, and celebrate this historic day together!

THE FESTIVAL

The celebration doesn’t stop at the end of the parade — it’s just getting started! We invite you to head over to Lincoln Park, 235 MLK Drive, Thomaston, GA for an afternoon filled with inspiring speakers, live music, giveaways, a Kids' Zone, vendors, food, and family fun. Come be part of the festivities as we honor our theme, "Our Story is Greater When We Come Together as One," and celebrate a powerful day of unity, history, and community spirit. Bring your chairs, your family, and your energy — we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

We are excited to invite a variety of vendors to join us for this year’s Emancipation Celebration at Lincoln Park! Vendors help create the vibrant, festive atmosphere our community looks forward to each year.

WE ARE LOOKING FOR YOU!

MERCHANDISE VENDORS

Clothing, accessories, crafts, art, books, and handmade goods.

FOOD VENDORS

Delicious meals, snacks, desserts, and refreshing beverages.

CRAFT & SPECIALTY VEDNORS

Unique, custom, and specialty items that celebrate culture and creativity.

INFORMATIONAL VENDORS

Community organizations, businesses, services, and political candidates who want to connect with attendees.

The 2025 Official Shirt of The Emancipation Celebration

Celebrate in Style!

Show your pride and support with our official Emancipation Celebration T-shirt!

Designed to honor our history and theme "Our Story is Greater When We Come Together as One," this commemorative shirt is perfect for wearing during the festivities and beyond.

Proceeds from each purchase help support our community events, scholarships, and outreach programs.

Get yours today and be a visible part of the celebration!

GET YOURS TODAY

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Join Our Historic Parade

+ MAY 29TH CELEBRATION +

Guides For You

THE LINE UP

THE ROUTE

THE FESTIVAL

JAZZ ON THE GRASS WITH DERWIN DANIELS

WE ARE LOOKING FOR YOU!

MERCHANDISE VENDORS

FOOD VENDORS

CRAFT & SPECIALTY VEDNORS

INFORMATIONAL VENDORS

The 2025 Official Shirt of The Emancipation Celebration

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