Juneteenth Festival in DeKalb

By Heather Russell Wilson
Staff Reporter

The City of DeKalb is once again gearing up for its annual Juneteenth Festival.  This year’s celebration will take place on Saturday, June 16, 2018 and will kick off with a parade.  Parade line-up begins at 9 a.m. at Ward Little League Ball Field near Jerome and Janice Williams’ home on 707 West Grizzly Drive in DeKalb.  Participants are encouraged to enter their new or old cars, church floats, bicycles, motorcycles, or even saddle up their horses.  The parade begins at 10 a.m.

After the parade, festival-goers are invited to the Juneteenth Picnic, beginning at 11 a.m. and held at DeKalb City Park.  On the menu will be BBQ beef, smoked turkey legs, nachos, homemade ice cream and more.  
There will also be a softball game, and those interested in playing are encouraged to contact  Douglas Wayne Dean at 903-277-8940.
The citizens of DeKalb are the sponsors and organizers of the event, and are expecting a great turnout, as always, for this year’s Juneteenth Celebration.  

Jerome Williams says the Juneteenth Celebration is a long-standing tradition in DeKalb, and he expects a good time to be had by all.  “Juneteenth has been going on since 1970,” said Williams.  “We want everyone to come out and watch the parade, then eat and have a great time - even if it’s nothing but sitting around talking to friends or family you haven’t seen in a while.” 
For more information on the Juneteenth Celebration, contact Jerome or Janice Williams at 903-667-3746.