Juneteenth celebration in Georgetown
The 72nd annual Juneteenth celebration in Georgetown on June 14-15 includes multiple events. The Georgetown Juneteenth events are sponsored by the Georgetown Cultural Citizen Memorial Association and GTX Connect. In addition to these events, a Juneteenth photo exhibit will be on display at the Georgetown Public Library in June.
June 14
Soul at City Center
The Soul at City Center Juneteenth event from 6-8 p.m. Friday, June 14 will be held at the outdoor plaza behind 808 Martin Luther King Jr. St. The event will include live music by the Austin band Mega’Tune. Attendees should bring blankets, chairs, and snacks.
June 15
Juneteenth Parade
GCCMA is bringing back a Juneteenth walking parade in San Gabriel Park, 445 E. Morrow St. Participants will begin gathering at 10:30 am. near the basketball courts and the parade will start at 10:45 am. Families are invited to bring their children, bicycles, and signs as we walk in unity to the Georgetown Community Center.
Juneteenth Program and Festival
The Juneteenth program and festival from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, June 15 will be at the Georgetown Community Center, 445 E. Morrow St. in San Gabriel Park. The program includes a keynote speaker and a musical performance. The festival, which follows, includes music by DJ Eric Sampson, live performances throughout the day, children’s activities, bingo, a spades tournament, a silent auction, and food and vendor booths. Register for the spades tournament here.
Juneteenth Photo Exhibit
A historical photo exhibit of Juneteenth celebrations in Georgetown will be featured in June in the lobby at the Georgetown Public Library, 402 W. Eighth St.
Juneteenth history
Juneteenth marks the day on June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers landed at Galveston and reported that the Civil War was over and slavery had ended. The Emancipation Proclamation freeing the slaves had been in effect since January 1, 1863, but word did not reach Texas for more than two years. Juneteenth was declared an official state holiday in Texas in 1980.
Learn more about the Juneteenth event sponsoring organizations at gccmatx.com.
