The Fayette community will once again celebrate Juneteenth this summer. This year’s event will span over five days, beginning with a movie at St. Paul United Methodist Church on Wednesday, June 14, and concluding with a worship service on the courthouse square on Sunday, June 18.

Fayette’s celebration is one of the longest-running in the state. This year marks the 23rd year.

“We’ve always been proud of having the largest celebration in the U.S.,” said Tim Jackman, one of the celebration’s organizers. “I think that’s still true because we’ve extended it another day this year.”

Juneteenth marks the day when Union troops, led by Major General Gordan Granger, arrived in Galveston, Texas, on June 29, 1865, to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed, which came a full two-and-a-half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally recognized holiday celebrating the freedom of African Americans.

This year marks 158 years of freedom.

Events for this year’s celebration include a hot dog roast and games at Paige-Liberty Park on June 15, a gospel fest on the square on June 16, and the ever-popular parade on Saturday morning, June 17, with fireworks that night. A full schedule of events will be printed in an upcoming edition of this newspaper.

Those seeking additional information should contact Jackman at (573) 289-3714.