Organizers of the 16th annual Juneteenth Festival have put the finishing touches on a three-day celebration set for tonight, Friday and Saturday in Columbus. The event coincides with similar activities around the country commemorating the abolition of slavery.
From its early years, when about 1,000 people attended, the Columbus festival has grown steadily. A crowd topping 13,000 is expected to turn out this weekend for free live entertainment, family activities and a variety of vendors.
“We get a lot of calls from people setting their vacations and family reunions around this,” said Leroy Brooks of the Afro-American Culture Organization, which coordinates the event. “It’s become kind of a big thing in the community and that’s one of the reasons we work so hard to put it on.”
Locally, Juneteenth begins with an 8 p.m. kickoff party tonight featuring DJ Lovebone at Columbus Inns and Suites. Festivities move to Sim Scott Park, located at 909 20th St. N., Friday evening and all day Saturday.
“We’ve got some of the best entertainment in the southeastern part of the county,” Brooks stated.
The weekend’s entertainers include Kenne’ Wayne and Falisa JaNaye, in addition to several other bands.
Nationally, Juneteenth celebrations date back to June 19, 1865, when Union troops brought word to Texans that the Civil War was over and that slaves had been freed when President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in September 1862.
“We want to recognize the historical significance of the date,” said Brooks. “It’s celebrated all over the U.S. and in other countries, especially where you have military installations.”
The local festival is made possible by numerous sponsors, including the Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“They are a major contributor,” noted Brooks. “Without them, there would not be a festival. We’re really pleased with their support, as well as the support from all our sponsors. I also want to thank the Juneteenth committee of dedicated people that work real hard to make this a success.”
For more information about the festival, contact Brooks at 662-329-5871.
Juneteenth schedule
Today
Columbus Inn and Suites
8 p.m. – Kickoff party, (White attire)
Friday
Sim Scott Park
6:30-8 p.m. – Music by DJ Tall Paul
8-9 p.m. – DJ and the Bluesmakers Band
9-10 p.m. – Southern Appeal Band
Saturday
Sim Scott Park
10 a.m.- Gates open
Noon-5 p.m. – Youth activities
6-7 p.m. – Gospel: Angels of Love and The Caldwell Sisters
7:15-8:15 p.m. – Crossroad Band
8:15-9:15 p.m. – Falisa JaNaye
9:30-10:30 p.m. – Kenne’ Wayne
After-party, T.P. Harris Elk Lodge
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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