Buxton Homecoming Is a big event each September on Labor Day Weekend. This special weekend celebrates the area's black culture. This year is the 103rd anniversary. Visitors come from all over Canada and the United States to celebrate this special event. This year's theme is 'Powe of Community"
Chatham-Kent was a major part of the Underground Railroad and as such hosts the North Buxton Homecoming weekend celebrating the roots laid by early black settlers in the Buxton area. The population has diminished since the 19th century but many visitors with roots in that area return to this small community every year for the Annual Homecoming event.
During the 19th century, the area was the northern terminus of the Underground Railroad. As a result, Chatham-Kent is now part of the African-Canadian Heritage Tour. Josiah Henson Museum for African-Canadian History, formally known as Uncle Tom’s Cabin Site is a museum of the Dawn Settlement, established in 1841 by Josiah Henson near Dresden as refuge for the many slaves who escaped to Canada from the United States. John Brown, the abolitionist, planned his raid on the Harper’s Ferry Arsenal in Chatham and recruited local men to participate in the raid. The small village of North Buxton, played an important role in the Underground Railroad. By the 1850s, the city of Chatham was referred to as the “Black Mecca of Canada". A museum in the city, the Black Mecca Museum, still bears its name.
The first Homecoming was sponsored by the Sunshine Club of the British Methodist Episcopal Church and was held on Labor Day 1924 in the pasture fields of Reginald and Minnie Robbins. It was a way to encourage past residents who had relocated to various part of the United States and Canada to return to their former home and re-unite with friends and family. This one day event has evolved into a full 4 day Labor Day Celebration where descendants of former slaves relive memories, rekindle friendships and celebrate together. The entire community works diligently to plan a schedule of events to entertain all ages. Check the schedule on the Homecoming Website and plan to attend. You will be glad you did!
This year’s event starts Friday September 4th and runs for 4 days culminating with the Annual Labor Day Parade on Monday Sept. 7/26 .
Chatham-Kent was a major part of the Underground Railroad and as such hosts the North Buxton Homecoming weekend celebrating the roots laid by early black settlers in the Buxton area. The population has diminished since the 19th century but many visitors with roots in that area return to this small community every year for the Annual Homecoming event.
During the 19th century, the area was the northern terminus of the Underground Railroad. As a result, Chatham-Kent is now part of the African-Canadian Heritage Tour. Josiah Henson Museum for African-Canadian History, formally known as Uncle Tom’s Cabin Site is a museum of the Dawn Settlement, established in 1841 by Josiah Henson near Dresden as refuge for the many slaves who escaped to Canada from the United States. John Brown, the abolitionist, planned his raid on the Harper’s Ferry Arsenal in Chatham and recruited local men to participate in the raid. The small village of North Buxton, played an important role in the Underground Railroad. By the 1850s, the city of Chatham was referred to as the “Black Mecca of Canada". A museum in the city, the Black Mecca Museum, still bears its name.
The first Homecoming was sponsored by the Sunshine Club of the British Methodist Episcopal Church and was held on Labor Day 1924 in the pasture fields of Reginald and Minnie Robbins. It was a way to encourage past residents who had relocated to various part of the United States and Canada to return to their former home and re-unite with friends and family. This one day event has evolved into a full 4 day Labor Day Celebration where descendants of former slaves relive memories, rekindle friendships and celebrate together. The entire community works diligently to plan a schedule of events to entertain all ages. Check the schedule on the Homecoming Website and plan to attend. You will be glad you did!
This year’s event starts Friday September 4th and runs for 4 days culminating with the Annual Labor Day Parade on Monday Sept. 7/26 .
- Friday, September 4: Kicks off the weekend with the Buxton History & Genealogy Conference featuring guest speakers and presentations.
- Saturday, September 5: 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament (U10–U15 divisions) featuring special guests and entertainment
- Monday, September 7:
- 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament (U16–Adult divisions).
- Annual Homecoming Parade stepping off at 12:30 p.m. (Line-up at 11:30 a.m. across from 6742 Eighth Line).
- All Weekend: Food, music, cultural events, family activities, and free refillable water stations provided by community sponsors. Check the updated schedule since there are various location in the village to visit. There is something for everyone. You can enjoy the Vendors Market, participate or just enjoy watching the Basketball Tournament and of course be sure to attend the closing Parade on Labor Day.
September 5 Saturday is also Brewfest. " Farm Fest " at the Red Barn Brewery, 20466 Lagoon Rd Blenheim from Noon -10 P.M. There will be entertainment, food trucks and beer releases for attendee to enjoy. Tickets are $10.00 at the door for 19 yrs and up. Children under 18 are free. In addition to supporting local craft beer, Brewfest also supports local charities. This years, Charity Partner, East Kent Hotrods for Hopsice will receive a portion of the entrance fees. Bring your lawn chairs. There is lots of weekend to enjoy both events and finish the summer with a bang right here in Chatham-Kent. Bring your lawn chairs.
Chatham-Kent has so much to offer. It is an Ideal location to live, work, raise a family and visit. Check my website for upcoming events and call me Wayne Liddy 519-436-4810 ReMax Preferred Realty Brokerage Ltd. For all you Real Estate Needs.
