Celebrate Juneteenth On Friday, June 17, And Saturday, June 18
Robert Moore
Herald Staff
rmoore@harrodsburgherald.com
The second annual Heart of Kentucky Juneteenth Festival happens Friday, June 17, and Saturday, June 18, at West Lane Park (345 West Lane).
Ashli Dunn and Ruth Ann Bryant smile for the camera at last year’s Juneteenth celebration. (File image).
In addition to food, vendors and speakers, there will be a jazz concert featuring Blue Groove Jazz starting at 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 18.
Juneteenth is a federal holiday which commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union forces liberated the enslaved in Galveston, Texas. The actual federal holiday happens on Sunday, but organizers of the Juneteenth celebration in Harrodsburg have a lot planned.
“We would love for the whole community to come celebrate with us,” said Travis Van Dyke, one of the organizers. “We have games, food, music, and events for everyone.”
Phyllis Jones, Kathryn Van Dyke, Leon Van Dyke, Onita Thurman and Lorna Mays enjoyed themselves at last year’s Juneteenth celebration (File image).
And here’s a warning, like any independence celebration, it will end with fireworks.
Here’s the full Juneteenth schedule.
Friday, June 17
6 p.m.–D.J. Frankie Boy
6:30 p.m.–spades
7 p.m.–dominoes
7:30 p.m.–street dance
Saturday, June 18
9 a.m.–prayer walk.
10 a.m.–D1 Academy
11 a.m.–proclamations
11:30 a.m.–Speaker: Albert Taylor
Noon–Danville Men’s Choir
1 p.m.–Speaker: Dr. Alicestyne Turley
1:30 p.m.–Freedom Award presentation
2 p.m.–Entertainment: D’Corey Johnson
2:30 p.m.–Speaker: Kentucky Senatorial Candidate Charles Booker
3 p.m.–Speaker: King Dame
3:30 p.m.–cornhole tournament
4 p.m.–Jazz concert by Blue Groove Jazz
5 p.m.–softball
6 p.m.–Entertainment: Positive Movement
6:30 p.m.–spades
7 p.m.–dominoes
8 p.m.–comedy show
9 p.m.–Entertainment: Rhythm and Soul
10 p.m.–fireworks.
For more information, visit juneteenthky.com, call 859-420-8176 or visit Facebook: Heart Of KY Juneteenth.
