Participants for the world record attempt for the longest Soul Train Line at the 96th annual Buxton Homecoming. (Photo courtesy of Michelle Robbins, Doug Robbins, and Jeral Lumley)Participants for the world record attempt for the longest Soul Train Line at the 96th annual Buxton Homecoming. (Photo courtesy of Michelle Robbins, Doug Robbins, and Jeral Lumley)
Chatham

Buxton Homecoming tradition stays alive despite COVID-19

The 97th Annual Buxton Homecoming Celebration will take place online this September because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The year's event will be held virtually on Zoom from September 4-7 because provincial public health restrictions prevent large groups from gathering.

The committee said it was a very difficult decision to cancel all face to face activities on the property of the Buxton National Historic Site and Museum.

"While we cannot physically congregate together traditionally, we hope you will celebrate with us virtually," said Shannon Prince, curator of the Buxton National Historic Site and Museum.

The event celebrates the Underground Railroad and how it helped American slaves to freedom in Canada.

"Homecoming in Buxton is a special time and, for many, an emotional experience. A reminder of the injustices endured and the struggles to overcome them," said Prince. "Our unique history has touched the lives of many throughout Canada, the United States, and worldwide."

Prince said the safety and well-being of all attendees was the driving force behind the cancellation but keeping the tradition alive to celebrate the history of the Underground Railroad is worth a different approach.

"Many courageous people made the perilous journey on the Underground Railroad to acquire freedom, an education, and the opportunity to build a future for themselves and their descendants," she added.

The annual Buxton History and Genealogy Conference will kick-off the weekend on September 4 and will be held online for the first time. Registration will be complimentary but organizers are encouraging participants to donate online to the Buxton National Historic Site and Museum. A list of speakers will be revealed soon.

Buxton’s Party in the Park, Part 18, will continue this year on social media but details are still being worked out.

This year's parade will be made up of footage from previous parades to rekindle memories from the past and organizers are looking for help with videos and pictures they can add to the production and make it "one to remember."

The theme of this year’s Buxton Homecoming is named “Generations.”

"Buxton is certainly a very unique place, one in which the generations have, for many years, worked together and alongside one another to form a bridge with a strong foundation that will never falter and a bond that will never be broken," the committee said. "We invite you to celebrate safely alongside generations in your family, share stories, reminisce on your favourite Homecoming memories, and take this time to create your own."

The tradition of Buxton Homecoming started as a picnic in 1924 under 'The Old Pear Tree' by Reginald and Minnie Robbins.

For more information contact Shannon Prince, curator of the Buxton National Historic Site & Museum, at 519-352-4799 or email buxton@ciaccess.com.

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