Submitted
The 145th Nicodemus Homecoming Emancipation Celebration looks good. We have a dedicated homecoming committee that is working hard. There is a little something for everyone.
Thursday, July 27th
Come learn about “specialty crops” from the Kansas Black Farmers Association. KBFA will conduct their quarterly meeting from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.Specialty Crops Dr. Gail Meyers, Oakland, CA and Dr. Martha Mamo, Department Chair University of Nebraska Lincoln, Agronomy are the guest speakers. Register for free at www.kbfa.org.
The Nicodemus Homecoming Emancipation Celebration Committee, LLC and the Nicodemus Historical Society will both host their annual meetings later that afternoon.
Friday, July 28th
Start your morning off with a good old “cowboy breakfast.” The afternoon will be full of music, games, kids activities and genealogy. Spinning the music is our very own native from Hill City, Troy Chapman aka “D.J. Storytella.” Participate in the Dominions Tournament, play some cards, horseshoes, etc. If you’re a Nicodemus Descendant, come learn about your history from the "Live Family Tree.” In the evening come participate in the corn hole tournament.
Returning back home from California don’t miss the special event hosted by a native from Hill City, Frankie “Cooper” Bates. He will perform his award winning one-man show, “Black When I Was A Boy.” Performance time starts at 6:00 p.m. at the Hill City High School auditorium. Get your tickets and come support Cooper in this powerful coming of age story. All proceeds will be given back to the community.
Then come on back to Nicodemus for the afterparty. Come hear D.J. Storytella spinning sounds, hear some live music and if you’re so inclined you can sing too during karaoke.
Saturday, July 29th
Start the day off with a little physical activity and then another good breakfast. Join the 5K Run/Walk Fundraiser where all proceeds will go to help Will Clark participate in the European Band Trip. Register at www.kbfa.org. Afterwards eat a hearty breakfast. Sponsored by the Kansas Black Farmers Association this is their 12th annual “FREE Pancake Feed.”
Starting at 11:00 a.m., be there and don’t miss the event that draws the crowd, the Nicodemus Homecoming Parade.
So much going on in the afternoon you may have to pick and choose what you want to do. There will be games, kids activities, fashion show, watermelon feed and even a tent where a Master American Straw and Wheat Artist will do live hands-on demonstrations.
From 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. in the Kids Corner, the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center will join us again this year and set up their amazing traveling kids activities and games.
Don’t forget the Smithsonian Exhibit, “Voices and Votes: Democracy In America” is on display at the Visitor’s Center along with the companion exhibit “Nicodemus Politicians.” There will be history programs and presentations hosted by the Nicodemus Historical Society and the National Park Service. Julie Clover with Robert J. Dole Institute will be the guest speaker to talk about the designation of Nicodemus becoming a National Historic Site.
Bert Brogden will show his Award Winning Documentary “Robert & Billie” A Nicodemus Love Story. We also anticipate the showing of the introduction of our new documentary that’s in the making, “Ellis Trail To Nicodemus.”
The Gospel Extravaganza in Nicodemus featuring Rev. Venson Quarels, Sr. and his family are coming all the way from California. He is the grandson of Rev. Daniel Hickman.
On the big stage enjoy the party with our live music headliner from L.A. He plays soul, R&B, pop and is a smooth-jazz instrumentalist, Fernando Harkless. Then D.J. Storytella will keep the afterparty groove going.
Friday and Saturday, July 28th and 29th
The American Red Cross Sickle Cell Blood Drive will be set up at the Villa from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. both days.
Come explore the magical world of the Nicodemus “Kids Corner.” Get ready for an extraordinary journey in the historic town of Nicodemus KS, where history, culture and wonder await you at the Kids Corner. There will be games (potato sack race, Minute to Win It, three-legged race, scavenger hunt, Transfer the Cotton Balls, Cookie Challenge, watermelon eating contest); activities (Bouncy House, arts, crafts, story time, books giveaway, and the kids will learn to plant a garden). Food, prizes, giveaways, and so much more. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to experience the magic of Nicodemus at Kids Corner.
Sunday, July 30th
Start your morning with praise. Church service will be held at the First Baptist Church then following will be lunch under the big tent. D.J. Storytella will be in the park spinning those sounds.
For more information and details check out our website at www.nicodemushomecoming.org. Also, like and follow us on Facebook, Nicodemus Homecoming Emancipation Celebration.
So many exciting things are happening that you don’t want to miss it. Come participate in the 2023 145th Nicodemus Homecoming Emancipation Celebration! See you there!