Ras Tafari Inc. Presents

PICKNEY TIME!

Caribbean Family Fun Day

“The games we played. The memories we made.”

FREE FAMILY CULTURE PLAY EDUCATION
Saturday August 29, 2026 12PM – 10PM 6227 S Prairie Ave, Chicago, IL 60637 Rain or Shine

Before Screens. There Was Community.

Pickney Time is a living tribute to the games, toys, and traditions that shaped Caribbean childhoods. Before smartphones and tablets, there were yards filled with laughter, handmade toys, and the wisdom of elders passing down stories.

We gather to preserve these traditions — not as artifacts, but as living practices that build community, spark imagination, and connect generations. This is a day of memory-making, where children discover the joy of play without screens, and adults reconnect with the child they once were.

Bring the family. Come play. Learn. Celebrate.

60+
Traditional Activities
5
Cultural Villages
1
Day of Memory Making
All Ages

Event Experience Map

Step into a world of Caribbean childhood wonder. Each village is a gateway to play, learning, and connection.

🎲 Yard Games Arena

Classic games that defined Caribbean yards.

Ludi Dominoes Checkers Marbles Jacks Riddles
6+ activities
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🏃 Pickney Sports Field

Active games that build strength, speed, and teamwork.

Dandy Shandy Bull Inna Pen Catch-a-Base Stucky Freezy Red Light Green Light Mother May I
6+ activities
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🪁 Traditional Toy Village

Handmade toys that sparked imagination.

Drink Box Truck Wire Car Push Cart Bearing Skate Hose Hoop Wheel Kite Making Paper Plane Gig Building Pear Gun Pop Shot Stilts
11+ activities
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⭕ Ring Game Circle

Singing games that build community and rhythm.

Brown Girl in the Ring Little Miss Nancy Puncienella Likkle Fella Eeh Yow
4+ activities
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🌳 Heritage Corner

Elder wisdom passed down through stories and proverbs.

Anansi Stories Riddles Proverbs Jamaican Sayings Elder Storytelling
5+ activities
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🎶 70's Dancehall Courtyard

Family dancing, vintage selections, and cultural demonstrations.

Family Dancing Vintage Selections Cultural Demos
3+ activities
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Forgotten Toys Workshop

Children and families learn to build traditional Caribbean toys from everyday materials. Each creation carries a story.

Drink Box Truck

Milk carton + bottle caps = rolling fun

Kite

Paper, sticks, string — and the sky

Gig

Tin can + string = Caribbean instrument

Paper Plane

Fold, launch, repeat

Hose Hoop Wheel

Old hose + stick = rolling mastery

Join the Workshop

Childhood Archive

Explore the rich tapestry of Caribbean childhood — from homemade toys to night games.

Timeline of Play

12 PM Gates Open — Welcome, registration, and opening blessings.
2 PM Village Challenges — Yard games, sports, and toy-making begin.
4 PM Story Circle — Elders share Anansi stories, riddles, and proverbs.
6 PM Family Parade — A joyful procession through the grounds.
8 PM Dancehall Courtyard — Family dancing, vintage selections, and celebration.
10 PM Close — Thanks, blessings, and see you next year.

Community Impact

Pickney Time is more than a festival — it's a movement to preserve heritage and build a stronger, more connected community.

Youth

Children learn traditional games, build toys, and connect with elders. They discover a world of play beyond screens.

Culture Preservation

We document and pass down Caribbean childhood traditions — stories, games, toys, and wisdom that might otherwise be lost.

Community Building

Neighbors come together across generations to share, laugh, and create memories. This is how communities stay strong.

Education

Workshops teach craft skills, history, and cultural knowledge. Every activity is an opportunity to learn.

Become a Sponsor

Sponsor Wall

Join us in preserving Caribbean heritage. Your support makes Pickney Time possible.

Frequently Asked

What ages is Pickney Time for?
Pickney Time is for all ages! From toddlers to elders, everyone will find joy, connection, and learning. Activities are designed to be intergenerational — grandparents and grandchildren can play side by side.
Do I need to register in advance?
While the event is free, we encourage advance registration to help us plan for activities, workshops, and supplies. You can register right here on this page.
Will food be available?
Yes! We'll have a selection of Caribbean and Ital-inspired food vendors on site. Feel free to bring your own picnic as well.
Is there parking?
Street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood. We encourage carpooling or public transit. The venue is accessible via CTA bus and Metra.
Is the venue accessible?
Yes, the Ethiopian Heritage Grounds are wheelchair accessible. We have accessible restrooms and designated viewing areas. Please contact us in advance for any specific accommodation needs.
What happens if it rains?
Pickney Time is rain or shine! We have tents and indoor spaces available for activities if weather requires. Bring an umbrella and dress for the elements.

Bring The Family. Come Play. Learn. Celebrate.

Join us for a day of joy, connection, and cultural preservation. Pickney Time is where memories are made.

Register Free