And familiar faces, too.
The first New Glasgow Black Gala Homecoming took place in 1990 (the event is held every five years); Francis Dorrington was its first chair, with a committee that, 25 years later, has four active members that have been there from the beginning: Annette MacLean, Crystal States, Verna Elms and Phyllis Patterson.
“They had a vision back then – to bring families home,” said MacLean on Saturday at the Ward One Rec Centre, where dozens of people had gathered, a day after a dance drew more than 400 people inside and around the rec centre grounds.
The event started on Friday and there are scores of events happening throughout the week to keep locals – as well as those now living elsewhere – busy and in touch with each other.
“It’s a great opportunity to re-connect with the past, and bring the community together,” said Myla Borden, one of the committee members charged with making it all happen.
Steve Carrington is familiar with Pictou County from his experience working with African-Nova Scotian youth in the education system.
“We want people to have fun and relax.”
Though he and his wife Rayvonne Carrington live in Hants County’s Three Miles Plains, “we always stop in to see our friend here,” he said on Saturday afternoon, as he chatted briefly with Borden in her small office at the Ward 1 Rec Centre, which MacLean called “the core of the black community.”
“It's as big as it’s ever been,” MacLean said of the Black Gala Homecoming, “a time to come home and reminisce with family and loved ones.”
Schedule
Monday
Breakfast: 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. - Ward I
Family Beach Day: Noon – 6 p.m. – Trenton Park
Mingle Night: 7:30 p.m. - Ward I
Homecoming Idol - Ward I, $10
Tuesday
Breakfast: 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. - Ward I
Vendors: 10 a.m. - Ward I
Vale Quilter’s Quilt Display: 11 a.m. - Ward I, $10
Genealogy Day - Ward I
Auction
Ring Toss Tournament
Wine & Cheese: 7 p.m - 9 p.m. – New Glasgow Town Hall
Wednesday
Breakfast: 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. - Ward I
Vendors: 10 a.m.
Auction
Jamaican Theme Day: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. - Ward I
Beer Garden: Noon – 6 p.m. - Ward I
Theme Dance: 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. - Ward I, $15
Thursday
Breakfast: 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. - Ward I
Vendors: 10 a.m.
Proclamation Day: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. - Ward I
Games/Prize Bingo
Facepainting
Bouncy Castles: 2 p.m. - Ward I
Week To Remember: During the afternoon (open mic)
Homecoming Dance: 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. – NNEC, $15
Friday
Breakfast: 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. - Ward I
Cocktail Hour: 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. - Summer Street Industries
Banquet & Dance: 6:30 p.m. -1 a.m. - Summer Street Industries, $50
Dance: until 1 a.m. - Summer Street Industries, $20
