Organizers of the Juneteenth Celebration at Laura Leake Park in Centralia over the weekend were pleased with the large crowd that showed up to take part in the activities and large picnic.
The program included a history of Juneteenth by 75-year-old Marilyn Williams who said she had just learned the true meaning herself a year ago. Mayor Bryan Kuder read a proclamation declaring June 19th as Juneteenth Day in Centralia, noting the significance of the day when slaves finally got their freedom two years after the end of the Civil War.
Mayor Bryan Kuder presents the proclamation proclaiming Juneteenth to the Juneteenth committee at Saturday’s event in Bryan Memorial Park. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
A COVID-19 vaccination clinic held at the Centralia Youth Center in connection with the events only saw a dozen people get their vaccinations. But sponsors from Senator Jason Plummer’s office and the Murray Parents Association said they were pleased to get at least a few more vaccinated.
Here are more photos from the Juneteenth Celebration:
