This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The longest continuously running Emancipation picnic in North America, the event brings together generations of families to celebrate with food, music and other activities in recognition of the British Commonwealth Emancipation Act of Aug. 1, 1834 as well as the United States Emancipation Proclamation of Jan. 1, 1863. Events begin Friday with a Speaker’s Corner at the Grey Roots Museum and Archives west of Rockford. Between 6 and 9:30 p.m., the event will feature a number of special guests including Carolynn and Sylvia Wilson, Dorothy Abbott and Lesa Walker, with music by Bobby Dean Blackburn. Appetizers and refreshments will be served, with a cash bar available.