You will not be allowed to compare more than 4 products at a time
View compare
+ 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!
JAZZ ON THE GRASS WITH DERWIN DANIELS
Join us at Lincoln Park as we welcome the incredible sounds of Derwin Daniels and his band to the Emancipation Celebration!
Come enjoy an evening of live jazz, community, and celebration as the sun sets on a powerful day of unity and tradition.
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!
CRAFT & SPECIALTY VEDNORS
Unique, custom, and specialty items that celebrate culture and creativity.
SIGN UPINFORMATIONAL VENDORS
Community organizations, businesses, services, and political candidates who want to connect with attendees.
SIGN UPAll Rights Reserved © 2025 The Emancipation Committee of Upson, Inc.
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
