Submitted
As 146 years of tradition dictate the last weekend in July, the Nicodemus Homecoming Emancipation Celebration (NHEC) will be held Thursday through Sunday, July 25th - 28th, 2024. This year's theme invokes our love for family and fully displays the excellence and accomplishments that our ancestors and current descendants have made over the past 146 years.
The four-day Homecoming begins on Thursday; the evening is set aside for the annual meetings of the organizations supporting Nicodemus: NHEC LLC., National Park Service, Nicodemus Township Board, Nicodemus Historic Landmark District Association, Kansas Black Farmers Association’s quarterly meeting and Nicodemus Historical Society will host “Meet and Greet Beans and Jeans”. The public is welcome.
Friday morning starts with the FREE Cowboy Breakfast, hosted by the family of Freddie and Ivalee Switzer. Activities throughout the day include the Live Family Tree, individual Stories From The Stage, a Sunshine Story Teller by “Ina Buckner-Barnette” and late-night Karaoke.
Saturday, our contributing partner, the Kansas Black Farmers Association, will sponsor the 5K Run/Walk and the complimentary Pancake Breakfast. At 11:00 AM, is our crowd favorite, the Official 146th Homecoming Emancipation Celebration Parade. The National Park Service will discuss Brown v. Board of Education (1954), recognizing the 70th anniversary. Other afternoon activities include a Fashion/Talent Show, Watermelon Feed, Inspirational Dance by Patricia Fuller, and Gospel Soul singing.
🏀 - Saturday Afternoon Special Youth Event: Team Hollywood Celebrity Streetball presents its famous 3 on 3 basketball tournament. Featuring Team Hollywood's very own former LA Lakers player Clay Johnson #34 in person with his NBA Championship Ring.
🎹 - On Saturday night, Enjoy the Lawn Chair Concert with Denver Headliner Ron Ivory and Miles Apart Band.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, our contributing partner, Nicodemus Historical Society, will show the short film “Robert and Billie” on the big screen, followed by the documentary “Ellis Trail To Nicodemus.” On Friday Only Cris Cricitiello will be in person to sing “In the Sweet By and By” at 6:45 PM.
Friday and Saturday our “Kids Corner” is full of activities to teach our history and entertain our young ones. On Saturday, The Kansas Children’s Discovery Center will be on-site for play. Sunflower Health Plan sponsors this Mobile Museum.
Sunday, Homecoming winds down with our traditional church service, Pastor Ordainment and Community Dinner at the Nicodemus First Baptist Church and the Township Hall.
Don’t forget to visit our food vendors. A variety of food choices have been selected so enjoy the delectable “Tastes of Nicodemus”.
Also, checkout our non-food vendors for some unique shopping and different finds.
During all four days of celebrating, we have fun associating with friends and family, playing games, dancing, eating good food, and listening to music by DJ Storyteller broadcasting throughout the park. Come Experience the Nicodemus Homecoming!
We can only do this with your help. Please consider donating to keep the tradition going!
Donations can be mailed to: Nicodemus Homecoming Emancipation Celebration (NHEC), P.O. Box 3, Hill City, KS 67642
Stay connected and get updates for our 146th Homecoming. Visit our website at: NicodemusHomecoming.org.Follow us at Nicodemus Homecoming Emancipation Celebration on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
"HAPPY HOMECOMING"