2019 Tennessee Picnic Association Celebration
Date and Time
Saturday Aug 3, 2019 Saturday Aug 10, 2019
August 3 through August 10, 2019
Location
Various locations throughout Newport, see Activities Itinerary for more details.
Fees/Admission
Varies depending upon the activity, many activities throughout the week are free.
Contact Information
TNPicnic at 423-237-6694
President Roland ''Trey'' Dykes, Vice President Tony Swaggerty, Treasurer Mechelle Robinson, Secretary Ella Kate Robinson
Description
2019's Tennessee Picnic Association Celebration marks the 77th annual celebration of the 8th of August. Although the Emancipation Proclamation was signed on January 1 of 1863, Tennessee and Kentucky have long informally recognized August 8 as Emancipation Day. As early as 1875, the African American community in the vicinity of Greene County, TN had begun to hold annual celebrations on August 8th, known as the “Eighth of August Celebration” according to local accounts in The Greeneville American.
Saturday, August 3 kicks off the week at the Newport City Park with the Dr. Dennis Branch 5K Walk/Run at 8 AM. Registration for the walk can be done at runsignup.com. The Tennessee Picnic Association will also present a PBS documentary for the general public at First Baptist Church in downtown Newport at 2 PM showcasing the history and background surrounding this week long event. The week will conclude the following Saturday the 10th with a picnic at the Newport City Park and a Riverwalk After Party from 8 to 10 PM behind Newport City Hall.
Learn more at www.facebook.com/TennesseePicnic/ or see the attached Activities Itinerary.
