The first two weeks of July are always a fun time for Tom and me. On July 1, we celebrate Canada Day with our Canadian family and friends. (Happy Canada Day, everyone!)
On the 4th, we celebrate in our adopted U.S. home. And then on the 10th, we celebrate my Bahamian heritage on Bahamian Independence Day.
If you’re in Abaco over the next couple of weeks, here are some ways you can join in the Bahamian Independence celebrations.
HOPE TOWN
On the evening of Friday, July 10, Abaco Cultural Extravaganza invites you to attend Hope Town’s Independence Day celebration, honouring the rich heritage, music and traditions of The Bahamas.
From 6pm to 11pm at Taylor Park (the ballfield), you can enjoy Junkanoo rhythms, local performances, Bahamian cuisine and cocktails, arts and crafts vendors, local retail and hand-made goods, family-friendly activities, a kids’ Fun Zone, fireworks and more.
Admission to the event is free, although a wristband is required for the kids’ Fun Zone, which includes water slides, dunk tank, games, crafts and more.
Wristbands are $25, and can be purchased in advance at Sun Dried Ts, Hope Town Canvas, or Ebb Tide. They can also be purchased at the event.
For more information and to learn more about Abaco Cultural Extravaganza please visit their website, Facebook and Instagram pages or call (242) 813-8614.
G&L Ferries is running a special holiday schedule to/from Marsh Harbour that evening, including a special late ferry leaving Hope Town’s lower public dock at 11:45pm.
GREEN TURTLE CAY
A number of events celebrating Bahamian Independence are planned on the cay, including:
Saturday, July 4: A walkathon will be held, starting at 6am at the basketball court.
Sunday, July 5: An ecumenical service will be held at the basketball court at 7pm.
Thursday, July 9: The Bahamian flag will be raised at 11:45pm at the administrator’s complex, to be followed by a Junkanoo rush and fireworks.
Saturday, July 11: A day of independence celebration, featuring food, music, cultural performances, arts and crafts, Junkanoo and more will start at 12pm at the basketball court.
SOUTH ABACO
Special events include:
Saturday, July 4: a bonfire and wiener roast will be held at the Sandy Point government dock.
Sunday, July 5: Pre-independence ecumenical church service to be held in Cherokee Sound.
Tuesday, July 7: Volleyball and basketball tournament takes place in Crossing Rocks.
Thursday, July 9: Ecumenical church service and cultural show will be held in Marsh Harbour.
Friday, July 10: A float parade and family fun day will take place in Sandy Point.
**If you can provide times/more specific locations for the South Abaco events, please get in touch.
Is your community or business planning a special Independence Day event that’s not mentioned above? Let us know and we’ll add it to the list!
