Juneteenth Celebration

Washington is a truly diverse town with many cultures represented in it. This year the City has expanded their Juneteenth Celebration to reflect this diversity.

Juneteenth is a celebration of the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. The Emancipation Proclamation, made by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, took two and a half years for the news to reach the enslaved African Americans of Galveston, Texas. The following year, the people of Galveston commemorated the day as Juneteenth, a celebration of freedom. The day was officially recognized as a federal holiday in 2021.

Washington’s Juneteenth Celebration has grown into a two day event this year, Saturday, June 17th and Sunday, June 18th, 4:30-7:30pm. Event coordinator Sarah Godley says the celebration will be at Beebe and P.S. Jones Memorial Parks. She says they are expecting around 400 people to attend. “We’re really putting emphasis on the fact that it’s a family event.  We will have an opening ceremony, then a freedom parade.”

Godley says they’ll also have historic tours, amusement park rides, a mobile arcade truck, inflatable water slides, field day activities, food trucks, games, competitions, prizes, and special Father’s Day activities on Sunday. Free water and cooling tents will be on hand.

“We are excited that the event has grown into a two day event. The celebration is for all ages. We will have something for everybody.”

The Washington Police Department is sponsoring a three on three basketball challenge, and there will be a hundred free tickets given out each day for Kona Ice. A band will perform each day as part of the celebration. Ruffin Keyes with Trainwreck will play Saturday afternoon, and The Monterio Experience will perform on Sunday.

Godley says that it is important to commemorate Juneteenth in Washington because Washington has a very diverse culture. “Our goal is to celebrate every nationality [and ethnic background]. It’s important for ALL of us to celebrate freedom on this day just like we would celebrate the fourth of July.  It is important for all of us to acknowledge our heritage and where we come from.  I think it’s crucial that we can all celebrate each other.”

Come to our Juneteenth Celebration for family fun and to see how this quaint waterfront town shows support for all of its people and their heritage.