Officials with the Museums of Historic Hopkinsville-Christian County and the Hopkinsville Human Rights Commission are inviting the community to celebrate the Eighth of August a little earlier than usual this year.
Planned for 1-4 PM Sunday, August 4, at the Pennyroyal Area Museum, this is the fourth year the organizations have partnered to make this a reality in the community.
It’s common for portions of western Kentucky and central Tennessee to center annual homecomings and celebrations of emancipation around this time, roughly accepted as the actual date when then-locals learned of Abraham Lincoln’s Proclamation.
Origins, however, vary as to why this date was chosen, but festivities have been held around this since the late 1800s. Celebrations in the region often included the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, a well-known speaker, a parade and baseball games.
This particular afternoon will feature an official proclamation honoring “Emancipation Day,” as well as special historic readings, activities for children, food trucks, genealogy information, and more.
Those in attendance at this time include:
G’s BBQ
DJ’s Homemade Lemonade
Janae’s Italian Ice
Big Fellaz
Different Strokes canvas painting
Greek Yard Show
Christian County Health Department mobile testing unit
League of Women Voters voter registration
Storytime featuring children’s books by bell hooks
Music, games, and more.
Then, officials will continue their Eighth of August celebrations with their next meeting of the Supper Club at 6 PM Thursday, August 8 by gathering at Pioneers Memorial Complex to enjoy barbecue, burgoo, and sweet tea prepared by the men’s civic organization. They will share about their history, the work they do to support the community, and their catering operation.
Tickets are available online or at the Pennyroyal Area Museum.
For more information about the Eighth of August or Supper Club, visit the Museum’s website or call the Museum (270-887-4270) or the Human Rights Commission (270-887-4010).
East 9th Street between Liberty and Virginia streets and Liberty Street between 9th & 10th streets will be closed during the Sunday event.
