For Sunday’s Juneteenth holiday — which commemorates Black Americans’ emancipation from slavery — groups across the area are holding a range of events and celebrations.
One June 19, 1865, slaves in Galveston were finally notified that the Civil War was over and they were free – two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Last year, President Joe Biden signed an act that officially established Juneteenth as a federal holiday.
If you’re looking to celebrate Juneteenth, we’ve got you covered. There are a variety of different events being hosted in our region.
Burkburnett Juneteenth Celebration – June 17 and June 18 at Burkburnett Community Center
Friday Afternoon: Golf tournament, 4-man scramble, awards dinner and silent auction
Saturday at 7:30 am: Freedom Run
Saturday at 9 am: Opening ceremony with Lawton Buffalo soldiers and guest speakers followed by live entertainment, mud volleyball, pony rides, bounce houses, face painting, a magic show and more. There will also be vendors and food trucks on site.
16th Annual Juneteenth & Father’s Day Bash – June 18 at Spudder Park in Wichita Falls
C.H.A R.M. presents 16th Annual Juneteenth Bash at Spudder Park in Wichita Falls, Texas.
This is free family fun and entertainment. Free food (until gone) Vendors, Entertainment, Kids’ games & activities. Bounce houses, Water slides, Trains, and more. Bring your grills, coolers, lawn chairs, and family & friends.
3rd Annual “Better than Ever” Juneteenth Celebration – June 19 to June 19 in Vernon
The 3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration will be held June 17 to June 19. The Celebration will kick off on Friday June 17 with a co-ed volleyball tournament at the Boys and Girls Club. On Saturday June 18, events will begin at 8:00 A.M and end at 10:00 P.M. at Lyday Park.
A parade will be held on Saturday June 18 beginning at 10:00 A.M. at the intersection of Houston and Wanderer Streets. The Parade route will go to Main Street/183; up to Wilbarger Street where they will turn right and go to Tolar/Bentley Street; then they will turn left on Bacon Street and continue to Dr. MLK Jr. Street; and finish back at Houston and Wanderer Streets. The parade is anticipated to last between 30 to 45 minutes with a parade route of 2.5 miles. Approximately 50 to 100 cars are expected to participate in the parade. There will be a Police Car leading the parade and participants are asked to turn on their vehicle’s headlights and/or flashers. Other activities will include dominoes/spades; kickball; a bouncy house and food trucks. Food Trucks will be on Houston Street between Dawson Street and Wanderer Street. Sunday June 19 a Community Church Service will be held at Lyday Park beginning at 10L00 A.M. T-Shirts will be available for purchase for this year’s event.
Mayor Pam Gosline will be speaking at this event as well. This is a free event for the community. Volunteers are welcome and all are invited to attend.
Support a Black-Owned Business in Wichita Falls
Since Juneteenth is a time to celebrate the resilience and strength of the African American community, you can do your part by supporting one of the many Black-owned businesses in Wichita Falls. You can find more details about these businesses or submit your company by joining the Black Owned Businesses of Wichita Falls Facebook group.
