It was a day to celebrate freedom, family and heritage during the ninth annual Emancipation Day event at Scenic Park on Saturday.
More than 70 people gathered during the day-long event.
“We had a good turnout and we’ve had good bingo,” said Ida Smiles, pointing to the full bingo table. “It’s just about having a good time. It’s always good when our young people come out.”
For many in attendance, it was the first time they attended the event.
“Today was very successful,” said Lionel Smiles. “It was one of our largest crowds ever.”
While Lionel presided over the barbeque, children crowded the dunk tank for a chance to get cool. Rebecca Lauderdale, 10, waited for the chance to dunk her friend Heather Bruce, also 10.
The younger kids missed the target, but Lauderdale was right on the mark.
“I brought my dog out,” said Kahleel Lee pointing to Thor, a blue brindle Great Dane who was making some new friends nearby. “He’s a big baby.”
Some folks have muscle cars or classics, but Matt Lee has a 1985 Chevy Caprice Classic with a hydraulic system, a trunk full of batteries and a remote with 10 toggle switches.
“This is my muscle car,” he said.
The project represents three years of work. He had to install a new subframe and new rear end as part of the modification on the car he’s now dubbed “Boss Hogg.”
“I’ve wanted one since I first saw ‘Cheech and Chong’ when I was little and now I’ve got one,” he said. “Everybody has a hobby. It’s my hobby.”
Most folks stuck to the shade either in the trees or the nearby bingo tent. Just after 5 p.m., a St. John’s Medflight unit landed and families inspected the helicopter while children asked about how pilots keep it in the air.
Next year will mark the 10th anniversary of the celebration and matriarch Ida Smiles said she hopes to see another large turnout next year.
“We’re here and if they want to come they’re welcome,” Ida Smiles said. “Anybody who wants to come is welcome.”
