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Juneteenth celebration ‘In This Together’ set for June 18-20

Posted 6/1/21

St. Paul United Methodist Church and the Juneteenth Celebration Committee are making final preparations for Fayette’s 21st Juneteenth celebration, June 18 through 20. This year’s theme is …

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Juneteenth celebration ‘In This Together’ set for June 18-20

Posted

St. Paul United Methodist Church and the Juneteenth Celebration Committee are making final preparations for Fayette’s 21st Juneteenth celebration, June 18 through 20. This year’s theme is “In This Together.”

The annual coordinators, Pastor Karen Jones and Tim Jackman, said they are excited for this year’s celebration, especially after the pandemic caused drastic limitations to 2020’s event. “Community interest has been extremely high. However, safety will remain the number one priority,” the two said in a joint statement.

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.

The Juneteenth event this year will celebrate 156 years since the end of slavery. Besides St. Paul and the Juneteenth Celebration Committee taking the lead on the planning, the Howard County Health and Wellness Council, KPIP radio, and newly formed community organization, Fayette Together, will also be key partners and sponsors. It was Henry Ford, American businessman and founder of the Ford Motor Company, who said “Coming together is a beginning. Staying together is progress. Working together is success.” This is a great time to celebrate diversity and inclusiveness. 

“We are hopeful the theme resonates throughout the community, not only during the celebration but serve as a reminder of the progress we can make by working together,” Jackman said.   

Most activities will occur on the Howard County Courthouse Square. The celebration kicks off at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, June 18 with a live broadcast hosted by local KPIP radio station 94.7 FM. The broadcast will feature gospel music along with insightful educational information on Juneteenth.

Saturday morning and early afternoon will include a number of activities. At 7:30 a.m., the United Methodist Men will serve a continental breakfast, which will include pre-packaged food items and beverages. The meal is free and open to the public. At 8 a.m. the Health and Wellness Council will sponsor “Race Around the Square” for children in grades PreK to fifth. Prizes will be awarded. Registration will begin just prior to the event. Parents and the community are encouraged to come out and engage in a time of fun with the kids. 

A formal ceremony begins at 9 a.m. at the courthouse gazebo, with a welcome Pastor Jones and Jackman. Recognition of the grand marshals, Mr./Mrs. Juneteenth, and Lincoln Public School Memorial Committee award recipients, Breanna Estes high school graduate scholarship, and Vanessa Miner, Teacher of Year will be a part of the ceremony. The community will be introduced to the newest organization, Fayette Together, and hear more about its purpose and vision. Seating will be available, but spectators are asked to bring lawn chairs.

Replacing the annual parade again this year will be a motorcade, beginning at 10 a.m. Everyone is invited to participate in the line-up that will take place on the south side of the square, and travel various routes throughout the city.    

Following the motorcade, all will return back to the square at 11 a.m. for a number of activities which include games with prizes, aline dance, and a gospel fest at 1 p.m.

Fayette Together will host a poster contest for grades PreK-4th; 5th-8th; and 9th-12th on the theme “In This Together.” Cash prizes will be awarded for each age category: 1st-$75; 2nd-$50, and $50 for the “People’s Choice” award, which will be voted on by community attendees. The guidelines are listed in an ad on Page 6 of this newspaper.

Entries are due between Tuesday, June 8, with the submission deadline Friday, June 11th. Posters must be turned in at the Fayette Public Library front desk, 201 S. Main, or by contacting Pastor Karen (573) 680-9889, Tim Jackman (573)289-3714, or Lue Lockridge Lane (660)537-2156. Winners and prizes will be announced at 1 p.m., and posters will remain on display until the conclusion of the Saturday afternoon activities at 2 p.m. Informational booths and retail vendors will be on the square throughout the day on Saturday.. In addition, there will be food and beverage concession vendors on site.

Another local group will be hosting more activities beginning at 4 p.m. at Paige-Liberty Park on  Railroad Street. Food and retail vendors will set up there along with a car and motorcycle show.

The final event Saturday evening sponsored by St. Paul and the Juneteenth Celebration Committee will be a fireworks display. This will occur around 9 p.m., Paige-Liberty Park. There will be limited seating, so attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. 

Juneteenth weekend will conclude Sunday morning with a worship service at 11 a.m. The Rev. Cheryll Doughty, ordained pastor at Grand Avenue Temple, Kansas City, Missouri, will be the guest speaker. Rev. Doughty was a former pastor at St. Paul (2000-2002) and original founder of the Fayette Juneteenth celebration. The public is invited to attend. 

A complete schedule of the three-day event will be posted later. For more information please visit the Juneteenth Fayette Facebook page or the City of Fayette website.

Anyone wishing to take part in the celebration should reach out to Pastor Jones at 573-680-9889 or Jackman at 573-289-3714.

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