The 2-day Juneteenth Freedom Celebration will be held at the Farrell Veteran Square from June 16th- 17th, featuring history, ceremony, entertainment, and more to honor the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States.
Juneteenth, short for June Nineteenth, signifies the day that federal troops came to Galveston, Texas, in 1865, 2 1/2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. Their mission was to take control of the state and to free all enslaved people.
Juneteenth is a holiday that represents the end of slavery in the United States and is known as the longest-running African American holiday. It became an official federal holiday on June 17th, 2021.
The Juneteenth event kicks off on Friday with the Underground Railroad Tour from 9 am – 3 pm. This tour will begin at Mercer County Visitors Center, traveling by Motorcoach and offering guests two light meals. The tour will stop at places of interest, such as the Mercer County Historical Society and the former fugitive slave settlement Liberia. Friday’s festivities continue afterward with live entertainment.
Saturday begins with a parade, a special recognition ceremony, live entertainment, including a band and a DJ, food, raffles, and craft vendors. The Farrell Public Library will also have a tent available, showcasing the books related to Juneteenth and the African American experience.
To learn more about this celebration, contact Peggy Mazyck at 724-971-3544.
