Liza Mitchell
A series of events will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the settlement of Lincolnville and the dedication of Dr. Robert B. Hayling Freedom Park at the 37th annual Lincolnville Festival. This year’s festivities will celebrate an important milestone for the Lincolnville neighborhood. Lincolnville: A Historic Timeline will be presented from 6-9pm September 16 by Lift Up Lincolnville Revitalization Corporation and installed in the Galimore Community Center hallway. The program tells the entire story of Lincolnville’s history from Native American hunting ground to today’s fast-growing community.
In 1866, Lincolnville was founded by recently freed slaves and later played a major role in the Civil Rights Movement. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was called by local dentist Dr. Robert Hayling to come to the aid of the residents of St. Augustine in their fight for equality. Lincolnville served as the centerpiece for the movement led by Dr. King in St. Augustine, which helped trigger the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The fundraiser will also include food, drinks, music, and dancing, plus a huge birthday cake. Tickets are available now. “We are raising funds so we can continue the tradition of keeping the festival a free event,” says Rev. Ron Rawls of St. Paul AME Church.
A parade, park dedication and live music will be held September 24-25 at Eddie Vickers’ Park in St. Augustine. Originally called the Washington Street Festival, the inaugural event was held during Labor Day weekend in 1979. From the beginning, its objective has been the revitalization of the Lincolnville community. Around 1981, the name was changed to the Lincolnville Festival. Performers include Katherine Archer, Fats Lewis, Cellus, Corey Thomas, Angel Brown, Rising Tide, Doug Carn, Oh No, Little Jake and the Soul Searchers on Saturday, and the Greater St. Mary MBC, St. Paul AMEC, SPAMEC Shed Session, and God’s Example on Sunday.
Visit www.mylincolnville.com and click on the related tabs for vendor or sponsorship information. Tickets to the Birthday Bash are available at www.mylincolnville.com/#!150th-birthday-party/f94s6.
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