Religious observances are always part of the Eighth of August celebration in Russellville, and this year is no exception. What is officially known as the Emancipation Celebration will open appropriately tonight (Thursday) in a church building.
It’s almost time for Russellville’s 28th annual Emancipation Celebration begins on Thursday and this weekend the festival, which is better known as the “Eighth of August” will feature a parade for the first time.
A worship service will begin at 6 p.m. in the backyard of the West Kentucky African-American Heritage Museum at Sixth and Morgan near Mt. Zion Baptist Church.
Rev. Marius Beard, associate pastor of St. Paul Baptist Church in Guthrie, will be master of ceremonies. The featured speaker will be Cedar Grove Baptist Church pastor Perry Dillard.
Musical selections will be brought by Cedar Grove Choir and special guests Sister Mary Davie and Minister Monique Torain. Others on the program will be pastors/evangelists Reggie Collier, Reginald Elliott, Tony Woodson and Wanda Dillard.
This year’s theme for the Emancipation Celebration is “Reflections on a History of Achievements.”
Activities will continue throughout the weekend, focused around the area of the museum, Hampton Park and the KP Hall.