The first ever Emancipation Day festival in Greenville, Yarmouth County is happening this weekend.

The event goes this Saturday.

Organizer Sheridan Lawrence says there will be a free barbeque, and lots of activities for kids in the afternoon, starting at 2.

“We’re going to have face-painting and a bean-bag toss. We’re going to have rapper Jevon the Prince from Shelburne, so that will be exciting for the kids as well,” says Lawrence.

It’s all taking place at the Greenville Community Centre.

Lawrence says Emancipation Day means a lot to him and African Canadian communities.

“We will celebrate the abolishment of slavery by the British parliament in 1834. For us. that’s an event that you just can’t put into words. It’s amazing.”

The Carson Downey Band will perform in the evening, cover is ten dollars for ages 19 and older.