Residents, descendants, and neighbouring community members will flock to North Buxton this weekend to mark the 100th year of an annual event in the community.
The Buxton Homecoming will celebrate its centennial with sporting events, vendor markets, historical reenactments, a talent show and more from September 1-4.
“It’s a great way for people to come back to the community, reconnect with each other, and celebrate together,” said Michelle Robbins, the assistant curator at the Buxton Museum. “It warms my heart to see people running to each other in the park grounds if they haven’t seen each other in 10-15 years. So it can be an emotional weekend, but it’s a very happy weekend as well.”
The homecoming event began in 1924 as a one-day reunion for former slaves who came to Canada as part of the Underground Railroad. It has since grown into a four-day celebration that blends African-Canadian heritage, family reunions, children’s activities, and small-town hospitality.
“It’s important for us to continue the celebration as a community and welcome descendants and people back to the area. And you don’t have to be a descendant to come, anybody can come. We welcome everyone,” said Robbins.
Robbins said the very first homecoming in 1924 took place in her grandparents’ field underneath a pear tree.
“That’s how it initially started,” she said. “It was just a barbeque, picnic, baseball games and those kinds of things underneath the pear tree. And now it’s turned into this four-day, weekend-long celebration, which is fantastic.”
In addition to fireworks and a parade, a 100th-anniversary Homecoming Mural designed by local artist Kenny Jones will also be unveiled on Monday in front of the Buxton Museum to commemorate the milestone.
“Not too many events can probably say that they have gone [on for] 100 years, and we are just elated that we’re able to continue,” said Robbins.
For a full schedule of the 100th Buxton Homecoming, click here.
