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 23, 2026! 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 NEW 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 N Hightower Street, then turn right onto E Main Street. The parade will continue on E Main Street and make a left onto South Church Street. 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, "Speak Up And Be Heard," 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.