City of Independence celebrates 3rd Annual Juneteenth!

The third annual Juneteenth Celebration will take place at the Independence Uptown Market on Wednesday, June 19, from 10 am to 6 pm.  

This celebratory event will feature a fun-filled day for the whole family.  Things kick off with the Hickman Mills drumline performance at 10.  Remarks from U.S. Congressman Emanuel Cleaver are slated for 11 am.  New this year is the announcement of several donations to area organizations. 

“Every year, our Juneteenth event gets bigger and more exciting,” event chair, Rev. Anthony J. Mondaine said. “We are thrilled to welcome everyone to Independence to celebrate strong faith and freedom, while acknowledging the hard work that lies behind us and before us.” 

Juneteeth, officially Juneteeth Independence Day, is a federal holiday in the United States.  It is celebrated annually on June 19^th to commemorate the end of slavery. 

Independence’s Juneteeth celebration is a free and public event. A stage for live musical performances will be inside the Independence Uptown Market pavilion.  Vendors and community organizations will set up underneath the open-air pavilion immediately east of it.  Food trucks will be on-site. 

Live music will be performed by LeVelle, Sensational Wonders, JahVelle, Lori Tucker and Millie Edwards. Food will be available for purchase from Amiya Faye Catering, LLC, Chef Tim’s Food Truck, Sweet Peaches Cobblers, and Vee’s BBQ Truck. 

Other attractions include the Mid-Continent Public Library’s Reading Rocket, a variety of local vendors, and a free screening of the movie “I’m So Glad” at the nearby Pharoah Theater. 

No roads will be blocked around the site, 211 W. Truman Road.  Parking on Independence Square is recommended.  Media is asked to park at the Independence Chamber of Commerce building, 210. W. Truman Road. 

This entire event was organized by community members with the support of the City of Independence and several other sponsors, including the City of Independence Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department, the Racial Equity Action Fund, and Truman Heartland Community Foundation. 

For more information: Independence Juneteenth Celebration (juneteenthindependence.org)