Rocket Park site of first JuneTeenth celebration

By DUANE SHERRILL / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

Marcus Strode slides down the slide in the fun house as his friends watch from above during JuneTeenth festivities.

The first of what organizers hope will be an annual community event drew hundreds of visitors as JuneTeenth was held Saturday afternoon at Rocket Park.

“We’ve had a pretty good turnout, and folks who have come seem to be really enjoying themselves,” said Jon Officer, one of the leaders of Young Men United, the organization which sponsored the event. “Hopefully we can do this every year because it’s a good time for folks to get together and have fun.”

JuneTeenth celebrates the date back in 1865 when slaves in Texas first learned they were free. News of the Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln two years earlier, did not reach the Lone Star State until that time. Since that day back in 1865, celebrations have been held across the country, marking JuneTeenth. This year marked the first official observance here.

The event saw an abundance of entertainment at the main stage located at the park off Beersheba Street, including instrumentals and singing. Games were also available for children while merchants were on hand selling jewelry and clothing.

There were also several foods to choose from with BBQ, fish, hamburgers and hot dogs. Officer pointed out BBQ and strawberry soda are the historical staples of the celebration. Several of the vendors drove in from out of town.

“I travel around to events like this throughout the Midstate,” said Jerry Chestnut of Ribs Plus of Murfreesboro as he basted ribs while listening to the Braves game on the radio. “It’s good to see things like this really take off.”