SACRAMENTO – Education and entertainment will combine this week as the 13th Annual Sacramento Juneteenth Celebration is set to run June 20-22 at William Land Park.
The annual celebration will feature Gospel Under the Stars on Friday, June 20, featuring the Ugandan Orphans Choir; the Festival on Saturday, June 21 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., a Juneteenth Ball on Saturday from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. and a Juneteenth Golf Tournament on Sunday, June 22.
The Juneteenth Festival includes a wide array of activities including an Emancipation/Freedom Parade, a healthy run/walk, two stages for live entertainment, a Juneteenth Talent Show, hosted by local radio personality Lee Perkins. There will also be a Promote the Peace Stage Show featuring conscious music, poetry, dance and essay readings by local young people. As is tradition, Juneteenth Community Soldier Awards will be presented to “unheralded members of the community who are making a difference.
Visitors can learn more about Emancipation and its impact on the world today at the Juneteenth Arts & Theater section. A historical time-line representing the African slave trade and other historical information will be on display. Other theater components include on-site art presentations, artists displaying Juneteenth related pieces and presentations acknowledging the accomplishments of African Americans pre and post Emancipation.
New for 2014 are the Juneteenth Fitness Camp hosted by Kidd’s Sports Gym and a Juneteenth Technology Tent, where visitors can take part in interactive demonstrations and gaming competitions. Other points of interest include a fashion show, vendors, and water slides and jump tents for children.
The festival is free and open to the public. Festivities also include a Juneteenth Ball at the California Museum. Event features wine, music and dancing, as well as bites created by the Sacramento Juneteenth Black Chef’s Collaborative. Tickets are $50.
William Land Park is located at 3800 S. Land Park Drive. The California Museum is located at 1020 O Street. For more information, contact Gary Simon at (916) 808-7777 or visit SacramentoJuneteenth.com.