Juneteenth Celebration Update
The cities of Lancaster, DeSoto, Cedar Hill and Duncanville have joined together for the 4th Annual Best Southwest Juneteenth Celebration scheduled for June 16, 2007 at Valley Ridge Park, Cedar Hill, Texas.
Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration of the ending of slavery. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with the news that the Civil War had ended and that all slaves were now free. This was 2 ½ years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation which had become official on January 1, 1863.
In subsequent years, African Americans in Texas have celebrated Juneteenth.
We have activities for the entire family. The event will include a opening ceremony, program, gift and craft vendors, gospel and praise entertainment, and children’s activities.
The evening will conclude with a concert featuring the smooth jazz band, "Fingerprints."
| 4:00 pm | Opening Ceremony at Valley Ridge Park Amphitheater |
| 4:30-7:30 pm | Activities |
| Children’s Area: Rock Climbing Wall, Texas Junior Angler Fishing, Fire Department Safety House, Watermelon Eating Contest and Inflatable fun. | |
| Entertainment Area: “Past to Present” Car Show, Disc Golf Competition, Musical Performances, Arts and Crafts, Food Vendors, Buffalo Soldiers, and a Photography Display. | |
| 7:30 pm | Announce the Competition Winners |
| 8:00 pm | Live concert featuring “FINGERPRINTS”, a smooth jazz band; the best kept secret in the south. |
