Gadsden County News Service
The North Port St. Joe community is gearing up for a weekend of festivities to celebrate Juneteenth, honoring the day that marked the end of slavery in the United States.
The celebration will span three days, from Friday, June 20, through Sunday, June 22, with events designed to highlight Black culture, community pride and the ongoing pursuit of freedom and equality.
Festivities begin Friday evening with the Royal Court Presentations at 6:30 p.m. at the Washington High School Gym. That will be followed by a late-night music festival from 8:30 p.m. to midnight at the Washington High School Baseball Park, featuring a live performance by the Grass Roots Band from Dothan, Alabama.
On Saturday, a Juneteenth Parade will roll out at 11 a.m., beginning on Reid Avenue and concluding at the Washington High School Gym. Dr. Timothy Beard will serve as the grand marshal.
The Freedom Day Celebration will follow from 12:30 to 4 p.m. at the gym. The event will feature the 2025 Royal Court, a kid zone, local vendors and access to the George Washington High Museum.
Saturday night’s Juneteenth Jubilee will take place from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, featuring DJ Beano and a variety of food and merchandise vendors.
The weekend wraps up Sunday with a Juneteenth Gospel Fest from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Washington High School Gym.
Organizers say the community is invited to come out and join in a weekend of reflection, joy and cultural celebration.
For more information or vendor inquiries, contact Holly Wright at (334) 538-7666.