Guthrie will hold its First Annual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 15 in the city’s downtown area.
The event will take place from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and all of downtown will be blocked off to traffic for the duration of the event.
Event coordinator LaQuita Talley of QT Promotions says the event will begin with a ribbon cutting between herself and Guthrie Mayor Jimmy Covington with a parade directly to follow. Talley says the TCCHS Marching Band and Buffalo Soldiers will be marching in the parade, as well as some local churches and individuals.
The celebration will also feature a variety of music entertainment.
A few food trucks and vendors will also be present, including Homeboy BBQ & Kingfish, Bunz Out and a few local vendors selling food as well as arts and crafts.
Talley adds there will also be a mural dedication and unveiling, coordinated by Guthrie Main Street.
Juneteenth is typically celebrated on June 19, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. While the Emancipation Proclamation was made effective in 1863, it wasn’t until June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas when the last community of enslaved Americans received word that they had been freed.
Talley says she believes Juneteenth is important for every community around the country to celebrate.
She says everyone is welcome to come to the event to celebrate and have a good time — she is hoping for a great turnout and to continue the celebration every year.
Guthrie’s First Annual Juneteenth Celebration is hosted by QT Promotions, the City of Guthrie and EB Productions, and sponsored by Guthrie Tourism and Guthrie Main Street.
For more information about the event, contact Talley at 270-604-4577.
