Centralia’s Juneteenth celebration returns this weekend, featuring an expanded lineup of activities taking place across three days. Juneteenth is a commemoration of the abolition of slavery in the United States.
The theme for this year’s local celebration is “Family Reunion.” Malaya Downey, vice president of the Juneteenth Committee, says organizers hope that former Centralians all around the country will come back home to take part in the event.
Festivities kick off Friday at 6 p.m. with a community worship service at Carillon Park, and at 7 p.m. the preliminary rounds of the three-on-three basketball tournament get underway at the Centralia Recreation Complex.
Saturday’s main event at Laura Leake Park starts at noon and features a host of activities, including vendors, prize giveaways, a cakewalk, bounce houses, rides on the “Little Toot” train, carnival games, and the finals of the three-on-three tournament. For the adults, there will also be a beer garden and bingo. In addition, Kaskaskia College will be bringing its mobile industrial trades trailer to the park.
At 1 p.m. Saturday will be the formal welcome to the Juneteenth celebration, with an explanation of the history of Juneteenth, a community prayer, and community awards. Headlining band The J Sound will perform from 6 to 8 p.m. to wrap up the day’s events in the park.
Following Saturday’s activities, there will be an after party at McGuire’s in Wamac.
On Sunday, more events will take place in Laura Leake Park, including music from DJ Murph and a cobbler contest presented by Ellie McClelland.
With the exception of the after party on Saturday, admission is free to all local Juneteenth events. Downey notes that proceeds from the celebration will go toward improvements at Laura Leake Park.
More information about this weekend’s celebration can be found on the “Centralia Juneteenth” Facebook page.
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Organizers thank this year’s major sponsors: Walmart, Schnucks, Kaskaskia College, Bradford National Bank, Marla Webster (in memory of Lillan Marshall), DLA Consulting, and Companion Housing Incorporated.
