Juneteenth party has pageant, parade, food, fun, fireworks

Juneteenth, like many U.S. holidays, blends solemn history with good times, barbecue and fireworks.

Juneteenth is officially June 19, the day the Emancipation Proclamation was read in Galveston, ending slavery. Until recently, Juneteenth was a Texas celebration little known outside the state, but now it has spread across the country and around the world.

Jasper's Juneteenth festivities begin with a beauty pageant Thursday, June 14, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Mt. Olive Baptist church.

Pageant organizer Willie Faye McFarland said more than a dozen contestants had signed up as of last Friday.

Friday, June 15, the banquet will also be at Mt. Olive Baptist Church at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 16, McFarland says there is an entire days of activities for families and especially for children to enjoy.

Fishing starts at 6:30-8:30 a.m. "That's when the fish are biting," according to Dr. Willie Brown, one of the organizers of the event.

Vendors will set up in Sandy Creek Park to sell souvenirs, food and drink. There is a basketball tournament, games, a dunking booth, music and a watermelon-eating contest.

The parade starts at 5 p.m., followed by opening ceremonies and diversity training. The Committee of One selected "Looking for greater peace as it will be in Heaven" as this year's theme. The evening concludes with fireworks at dusk.

Proceeds from Juneteenth activities will benefit three local non-profit organizations to be selected by The Committee of One who organize the event.