SHEBOYGAN – A Juneteenth celebration will return to Kiwanis Park with bouncy houses, food trucks and a caramel cake bakeoff.
Sheboygan Area Black American Community Outreach will host the event from 5 to 9 p.m. on June 19, commemorating that day in 1865 when federal troops told enslaved people in Texas they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.
Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021, but it has long been celebrated as a day of freedom in the United States. Milwaukee is known to have one of the longest-running annual Juneteenth celebrations in the country, dating back to 1971.
Toni White, president of BACO, said hosting Sheboygan’s celebration on Juneteenth this year is memorable and continuing to recognize Juneteenth is a way to have a cultural celebration and commemorate the evolution of diversity in the community.
The first celebration in Sheboygan was hosted in 2020, followed by annual celebrations organized by BACO.
Juneteenth community picnic to feature gospel music, brat fry and more
Juneteenth will resemble a community picnic, and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, White said.
In addition to a 50/50 raffle, brat fry, youth activities and recognition of high school students on the Juneteenth Royal Court, Crossroads Community Church will bring bouncy houses and Love Fellowship Ministries Praise Team will perform gospel music.
Free hair braiding and face painting, along with performances by Mizz Bree & Street Elite Dance Academy, Lily Elon and DJ Rawlz, also will be included.
Entries to the caramel cake bakeoff contest will be judged on taste, presentation, creativity and crowd appeal.
Vendors selling sweet treats, BBQ and clothing
Youth services, health care specialists among community resources
Contact Alex Garner at 224-374-2332 or agarner@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Sheboygan Press: What to know about Sheboygan’s Juneteenth celebration June 19
Reporting by Alex Garner, Sheboygan Press / Sheboygan Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Alex Garner, Sheboygan Press | USA TODAY Network
