Harrodsburg Community Invited To Celebrate Juneteenth With Two Days Of Music, Fellowship And Reflection
Ashli Dunn and Ruth Ann Bryant smile for the camera at the 2021 Juneteenth celebration. (File image).
April Ellis
Herald Staff
Everyone is invited to come together for a two-day Juneteenth celebration honoring freedom, history, culture and unity through music, speakers, family activities and fellowship at West Lane Park (345 West Lane).
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of slavery—more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. The day has long been celebrated as a symbol of freedom, resilience and progress within the African American community. In 2021, Juneteenth was recognized as a federal holiday in the United States.
Locally, the Heart of Kentucky Juneteenth Festival was established in 2020 as communities emerged from the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Heart of Kentucky Juneteenth Festival began in 2020, following a time of isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic,” one of the event organizers, Samantha Mays said. “Our community had been separated for over a year, and we felt a strong need to reconnect. At the time, Juneteenth was not widely recognized in our region, so we saw an opportunity to both bring people together and educate our community about the significance of freedom and liberation.”
Since its inception, the festival has grown into an annual celebration that promotes unity, awareness and community pride.
“It means a great deal to see our community come together in celebration each year,” Mays said. “Juneteenth represents one of the most important milestones in our nation’s history—the recognition of freedom for all. It is encouraging to see people from all backgrounds come together to honor freedom, and I hope this spirit continues to inspire stronger connections and partnerships across our community.”
This year’s celebration will feature a variety of local and regional performers, inspirational speakers, community activities and family-friendly entertainment designed to celebrate the significance of the holiday while bringing residents together.
“The primary goals of the celebration are to bring people together, uplift and encourage one another, and educate our community about the meaning and history of Juneteenth,” Mays said. “We strive to create an atmosphere where people can learn, connect and celebrate culture through good food, music and local vendors. Above all, the event is about fostering love, unity and a sense of belonging.”
The Harrodsburg Herald/Robert Moore
2024 Miss Juneteenth Tamya Haygood crowned 2025 Miss Juneteenth Phoenix Yate at last year’s celebration.
The celebration will begin Friday evening, June 19, with an opening prayer by Pastor Donald Smith at 5 p.m. The evening will feature a lineup of musical performances, including the Greens featuring Tharan Green, Pastor Chris Jones, Larger Than Life Studio Presents, Promise Music Presents, J.B. Savage and the Robbie Houston Band, and performing artist QBizz.
Activities continue Saturday, June 20, beginning with a community Prayer Walk at 8 a.m. Official welcome ceremonies will begin at 11 a.m., followed by presentations from guest speakers Dontae Bartleson and Nekita Johnson.
Saturday’s celebration will also include performances by OMAC (Operation Make A Change), child performer Star Bookie, musical guest Devine Carama, saxophonist Bennie J. Smith, the SMACS Comedy Show featuring Heather Romero, Brett Higgins and the Family Band and the Bentley Brothers Band.
Families can enjoy line dancing, children’s games and giveaways hosted by D1 Academy throughout the afternoon.
Mays said organizers are especially excited about several additions to this year’s festival, including a tent decorating contest designed to showcase creativity and community spirit.
“We also have an incredible lineup of performers, including local music producer Thaddeus Mays, CEO of Promise Music, along with several of his artists,” she said. “In addition, we are honored to welcome guest speakers Dontae Bartleson and Nekita Johnson. This year’s event is filled with talent, and we are looking forward to a strong showing of community support.”
The Harrodsburg Herald/Robert Moore
Almetra Taylor was having a great time at the 2024 Heart of Kentucky Juneteenth celebration.
In addition to celebrating freedom, organizers say the event serves as an opportunity to preserve and share African American history and culture.
“Celebrating Juneteenth each year serves as a powerful reminder of our nation’s progress as well as the work that remains,” Mays said. “By continuing to share and teach this history, we help ensure that future generations understand its significance. Honoring Juneteenth allows us to recognize both the struggles and the triumphs of the past, helping us learn from history and build a stronger, more inclusive future.”
Community members are also encouraged to participate in additional festival activities. Those interested can visit juneteenthky.com to register for the golf scramble, spades tournament, cornhole tournament, reserve tent space for their family, or purchase a 2026 Heart of Kentucky Juneteenth Festival T-shirt designed by Mercer County student Tori Devine.
“We want the community to know that everyone is welcome to take part in this celebration,” Mays said. “Juneteenth is a time to come together, celebrate freedom and build connections across our community, and we encourage everyone to join us and be a part of the experience.”
The Harrodsburg Herald/Robert Moore
Ty Dunn gets a massage from Angela Douglas pf Bluegrass Ayruvedic Spa at Juneteenth 2025.
Organizers say the event is designed to celebrate the history and significance of Juneteenth while fostering community engagement, education and fellowship among residents of all ages and backgrounds.
Event Schedule
Friday, June 19
5 p.m. — Opening Prayer, Pastor Donald Smith
6 p.m. — The Green’s featuring Tharan Green
6:30 p.m. — Pastor Chris Jones
7 p.m. — Larger Than Life Studio Presents
8 p.m. — Promise Music Presents
9 p.m. — JB Savage and Robbie Houston Band
10 p.m. — QBizz
Saturday, June 20
8 a.m. — Prayer Walk
11 a.m. — Welcome
12 p.m. — Guest Speaker Dontae Bartleson
1 p.m. — OMAC (Operation Make A Change) Performers
2 p.m. — Line Dancing, Kids Games and Giveaways by D1 Academy
3 p.m. — Child Performer Star Bookie
4 p.m. — Guest Speaker Nekita Johnson
5 p.m. — Musical Guest Devine Carama
6 p.m. — Bennie J. Smith, Saxophonist
7 p.m. — SMACS Comedy Show featuring Heather Romero
8 p.m. — Brett Higgins and The Family Band
9 p.m. — The Bentley Brothers Band
Community members are encouraged to attend and participate in this special celebration of freedom, heritage and unity in Harrodsburg.
For more information, email the organizers at [email protected] or visit the website juneteenthky.com or their Facebook page @JuneteenthKY.
