Windsor's Leslie McCurdy helps celebrate end of slavery in Canada

Windsor actress LeslieMcCurdy, whohas played the role of freedom fighterHarrietTubmanmore than 1,500 times, helps celebrate the end of slavery in Canada with a free performance this weekend.

• HarrietTubman, American who helped free slaves,on U.S. $20 bill

McCurdy will slip into character as the legendary American abolitionist Saturday for a free stage performance at Lanspeary Park, which is part of the emancipation celebrations hosted by the AmherstburgFreedom Museum.

"I consider it a labour of love because HarrietTubmanis my personal hero,"McCurdysaid of her 20 years performing the role.

McCurdysaid the process of tellingTubman'sstory for so many years has been one of continual discovery, as more details of the famed Underground Railroad conductor's life are revealed.

The celebrationstarts Friday at 6 p.m. at theCabotoClub, recognizing the end of slavery in Canada 183 years ago.McCurdy performsher one-woman showThe Spirit of Harriet TubmanSaturday at 6 p.m. at LanspearyPark.

This year's theme of the emancipation event, which includes dancing, a silent auction and an awards ceremony,is a Red and White Party to celebrate Canada's150thbirthday.

There will also be theannual Walter Perry Emancipation Golf Classic at Fox Glen Golf Club in McGregor.