Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 18. The City of Fulton Human Rights Commission will be hosting its first ever Juneteenth Celebration. It takes place from Noon to 4 p.m. at the Legends Rec-Plex Banquet Center. There will be food, music, art and much more to enjoy on the afternoon. The event is free, however, vendors will be charging for food and merchandise. Also, Dr. Thomas Cooper, a retired Fulton physician, will be the featured speaker at the amphitheater.
The origins of Juneteenth date back to the end of the Civil War. On June 19, 1865, nearly two and a half years following President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, Major General Gordon Granger arrived at Galveston, Texas to announce the end of the Civil War and slavery. One year later, Texans began celebrating what would be referred to as “Juneteenth” with parades, musical performances, cookouts and more. Juneteenth was declared a federal holiday in 2021.
The Human Rights Commission is also seeking a variety of vendors. They are looking for businesses to not only feed the hungry crowd, but also to sell craft items, T-shirts and more. An online vendor application that features an event layout map is available to fill out and return to City Hall. There is no application fee. If you have any questions, contact City Hall at 592-3111.
