Juneteenth Celebration In Casper June 21st

Juneteenth, a celebration of freedom, goes all the way back to the 1800′s. The Emancipation Proclamation gave slaves freedom in 1863, but in Texas it was another 2 1/2 years before slaves were actually set free. As the slaves began a new way of life, June 19th was the day they chose to celebrate their new found freedom, thus beginning the Juneteeth Holiday.

39 of the 50 United States recognize this day as a holiday, Wyoming was the 9th state to give recognition to Juneteenth. Pastor William H. Pierce, and his wife Lessie have worked on the Casper celebration for over 17 years and with the help of the Wyoming Juneteenth Education Committee and the Imitate the Image Ministries bring you this years event on June 21st.

The annual Juneteenth Celebration is at noon at the Matthew Campfield Park in North Casper. There will be a free barbecue with all the trimmings, festive music from numerous choirs and individuals, entertainment, fun and fellowship, bounce houses and a three-on-three basketball tournament with a cash prize to the winning team. Guests include Mayor Paul Meyer and State Senator Charles K. Scott.

All who would like to celebrate are asked to bring a covered dish for the barbecue. Otherwise it is all free and open to the public. Please bring your own lawn chairs, but do not bring your pets. For more information, call the Rev. William Pierce at 237-0831 or 267-3901.