Several events are happening downtown this weekend for the Eighth of August, a celebration of emancipation during and immediately after the Civil War. It is a long-held tradition among African-American families in Western Kentucky towns, including Hopkinsville. Aug. 8 is believed to be the date that many in the region first learned of their freedom.
The Taste of the Town is planned Friday and Saturday in Founders Square at Ninth and Main streets. Themed as a Festival with Purpose, the event centers around several food trucks, music, dancing, a kids zone and a community run.
In addition, the Museums of Historic Hopkinsville-Christian County and the local Human Rights Commission are sponsoring events Friday and Saturday at the Pennyroyal Area Museum at Ninth and Liberty streets.
Friday’s museum event is Living Legacies: The Humphries Family Speaks. Guests are invited to hear a conversation with the Humphries family to enjoy storytelling and a reflection on “family bonds, shared history and the legacy of love that carries the spirit of the Eighth of August forward,” organizers said. There will be a reception at 5:30 p.m. and the program begins at 6 p.m.
Saturday’s museum event, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., is the Sunshine and Soul Culture Fest, celebrating community with live music, dance, art and more.
Now in its sixth year, the Taste of the Town was established by Desaepa and Zirconia Vansauwa, owners of Vansauawa’s Tacos and Vegan Eats, who continue to serve as the leader organizers. The event highlights Black-owned food entrepreneurs in the area.
The Taste of the Town hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Friday and noon to 9 p.m. Saturday.
There’s also a 5k and 8k walk/run beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday. Participants will start at the Hopkinsville Greenway Trailhead next to the Hopkinsville-Christian County Public Library. Registration is available online.
Jennifer P. Brown is co-founder, publisher and editor of Hoptown Chronicle. You can reach her at editor@hoptownchronicle.org. Brown was a reporter and editor at the Kentucky New Era, where she worked for 30 years. She is a co-chair of the national advisory board to the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, governing board past president for the Kentucky Historical Society, and co-founder of the Kentucky Open Government Coalition. She serves on the Hopkinsville History Foundation's board.
