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Georgetown Hosts 73rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration

Community members celebrating Juneteenth in Georgetown with music and dancing.

News Summary

Georgetown is set to host its 73rd annual Juneteenth celebration from June 13 to June 23, featuring various events like a parade, music, dance performances, and a historical photo exhibit. The celebration aims to honor the significance of Juneteenth and foster community participation. Key events include the ‘Soul at City Center’ on June 13 and the main celebration on June 14 at San Gabriel Park, among others. Additionally, there will be a Historical Marker Unveiling Ceremony on June 19 to commemorate the local heritage.

Georgetown to Host 73rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration with Exciting Events

The city of Georgetown is gearing up for the 73rd annual Juneteenth celebration, set to take place from June 13 to June 23. This year’s festivities, sponsored by the Georgetown Cultural Citizen Memorial Association, promise a variety of engaging activities and commemorative events for residents and visitors alike.

Key Events Highlighting Juneteenth

The celebration will kick off with the “Soul at City Center” event on June 13 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the outdoor plaza behind 808 Martin Luther King Jr. St. Attendees can look forward to lively music, and are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs, and snacks for a relaxing evening.

The main Juneteenth celebration is scheduled for June 14, from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at San Gabriel Park, located at 445 E. Morrow St. The program will begin at 11 a.m. and will feature a vibrant parade to mark this important cultural day.

Following the parade, the festival will officially start at noon and will include:

Music by a live DJ
Dance performances
Children’s activities
Bingo games
A spades tournament
A silent auction
Food and vendor booths

This combination of activities provides a fantastic opportunity for the community to come together, enjoy some entertainment, and learn about the history of Juneteenth.

Photo Exhibit and Historical Marker Unveiling

From June 12 to June 23, a special Juneteenth photo exhibit will be featured at the Georgetown Public Library. This exhibit will showcase historical photographs capturing the essence of past Juneteenth celebrations in Georgetown, providing visitors with a vivid reflection of the community’s rich heritage.

Additionally, a Historical Marker Unveiling Ceremony will take place on June 19 at the Citizen Memorial Garden Cemetery, starting at 10 a.m. This ceremony aims to honor the historical significance of the cemetery and its role in the local community.

Closure and Recognitions

In observance of Juneteenth on June 19, all Georgetown City offices and facilities will be closed. However, the city will maintain regular trash and recycling services on this day to ensure community needs are met.

Understanding Juneteenth

Juneteenth commemorates the significant date of June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers informed enslaved people in Texas that the Civil War had ended and slavery was abolished. Although the Emancipation Proclamation had been enacted on January 1, 1863, the news did not reach Texas for over two years. Juneteenth was officially declared a state holiday in Texas in 1980, and it has continued to grow in importance across the nation as a symbol of freedom and the African American experience.

This year’s Juneteenth celebration in Georgetown promises to be a memorable occasion for all who attend. With a wide range of events planned and a deep historical significance attached to the observance, residents and visitors are encouraged to participate in honoring the legacy of Juneteenth.