Cycle Oakville is pleased to lead the 3rd Annual Black History Bike Tour on Monday, August 3rd - a leisurely guided bicycle tour of historical landmarks celebrating Oakville's ties to the Underground Railroad.
This year the Civic Holiday in August will be officially known as Emancipation Day in Oakville and I am pleased to lead this ride to share some of the rich history of Oakville's ties to freedom for escaped slaves.
Individuals and families will meet at Taste of Colombia, 67 Bronte Road, at 10 am for coffee, and depart at 10:30 am. The ride will visit sites from Bronte to Downtown Oakville, including a visit to Sovereign House in Bronte, and end at the Oakville Museum for the Emancipation Day Picnic and a visit to the Underground Railroad Exhibit at 1:00 pm. Participants are invited to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy.
The Emancipation Day Picnic is an annual event which commemorates August 1, 1834 — the day slavery was abolished in Canada and throughout the British Empire. The picnic dates back to 1850, when African Canadians from across the nation would gather at Oakville’s George’s Square to honour their journey to freedom. It is now held at Lakeside Park at the foot of Navy Street on the shores of Lake Ontario.
The free afternoon will feature music, dance, games, crafts and activities highlighting Oakville’s role in the Underground Railroad as a port of entry to Canada.
All ages and abilities are welcome to participate in the annual ride. Helmets are recommended for all, but required for anyone under 18 years of age.
This ride is part of Cycle Oakville's series of leisurely rides designed to encourage residents to shop, dine, explore and discover all that our Town and businesses have to offer. More information on Cycle Oakville's facebook page: www.facebook.com/cycleoakville or email [email protected]