145th Nicodemus Homecoming Celebration activities taking shape
Make plans now to attend
If you haven’t already done so, be sure to make plans now to attend the 145th Nicodemus Homecoming Celebration which is slated for July 27-30 in Nicodemus. This annual event will not disappoint as many fun activities are on tap for the four-day celebration.
Nicodemus, established in 1877, was founded shortly after the Civil War ended by former enslaved African- Americans from Kentucky, who had a dream of building a town they could call their own. The site today represents the involvement of this group in the western expansion movement and ultimate settlement of the Great Plains.
Like so many other small towns which were founded in the late 1800s, Nicodemus has lost most of its population, but it continues to exist…which lends itself to this year’s Celebration theme, “From Perseverance to Preservation. The Legacy Continues.” Today the townsite has approximately 30 residents, and is designated as a National Park, with a number of NPS rangers occupying the Visitors Center.
Nicodemus may be small, but when this time of year rolls around, one would never know it as descendants and friends from all over embark on the community to celebrate its rich heritage and the emancipation of slavery. The Nicodemus National Historic Site is the last remaining all-Black town west of the Mississippi River, and is one of the most significant locations in African-American history.
Nicodemus Homecoming Committee member Tracy Bates is excited for this year’s event, and expects another large attendance. “Our 2022 turnout saw well over 1000 visitors during our peak,” Bates stated. “All the vendors were sold out by Saturday evening, and we expect an even larger turnout for 2023,” she added. Of course, the Committee is always looking for more vendors, whether it be food, clothing, information, etc., so if you are interested, visit the website, www.nicodemushomecoming.org, to register.
The Celebration will begin on Thursday, the 27th, with the annual meetings of Nicodemus Homecoming and Nicodemus Historical Society.
The fun begins on Friday with games and music in the park with DJs playing your favorite tunes, as well as karaoke for everyone. Saturday is filled with excitement beginning with the 5K run/ walk, pancake feed and parade. There will be a Kid’s Corner Activity Center, guest speakers, fashion/ talent show, more DJ music and karaoke, and a live band performing after dark. The event concludes on Sunday with a church service and DJ music in the park.
For more information about the Celebration, visit the website, www. nicodemushomecomong.org, and also be sure to follow Nicodemus Homecoming on Facebook.
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