Garner Juneteenth Celebration Coming to GPAC June 21st
This free event will feature local choirs, dance and narrative interwoven with documentary-style video segments that explore various aspects of Garner's history through the recollections of those who lived it. Congresswoman Deborah Ross and Mayor Buddy Gupton will make remarks as well.
The Town of Garner and Garner Juneteenth Committee will present the annual Garner Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 21, at 11 a.m. at Garner Performing Arts Center (742 W. Garner Road).
This free event will feature local choirs, dance and narrative interwoven with documentary-style video segments that explore various aspects of Garner's history through the recollections of those who lived it. Congresswoman Deborah Ross and Mayor Buddy Gupton will make remarks as well.
History and Background
Galveston 1865
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free.
This was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation - which had become official January 1, 1863. The Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on the Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the new Executive Order.
However, with the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865, and the arrival of General Granger’s regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance.
In the early years
Little interest existed outside the African American community in participation in the celebrations. In some cases, there was outwardly exhibited resistance by barring the use of public property for the festivities.
Most of the festivities found themselves out in rural areas around rivers and creeks that could provide for additional activities such as fishing, horseback riding and barbecues. Often church grounds were the site for such activities.
Eventually, as African Americans became landowners, land was donated and dedicated for these festivities. One of the earliest documented land purchases in the name of Juneteenth was organized by Rev. Jack Yates.
Garner July 3rd Independence Day Celebration. Lake Benson Park.
Just a reminder that Lake Benson Park is closed to traffic until 5 pm on July 3 as the town gets ready for the July 3rd Celebration.
There are free shuttles to the park from South Garner High.
Join us for an evening of fun for the whole family with a headlining performance by the North Carolina Symphony. Enjoy delicious food while the kids play in the Kids' Zone featuring activities such as games and crafts. Top your evening off with the best fireworks show in the Triangle!
Gates will open at 5:00pm. Parking on site is free on a first-come, first-served basis. A free shuttle service from South Garner High School will be provided.
Activities:
Food Vendors
Kids' Zone (5:00-8:00pm, free)
Garner Veterans Memorial Tours (5:30-7:30pm)
Performance by Joe Brown & the Band (5:15-7:45pm)
Performance by the NC Symphony (8:30pm)
Fireworks immediately following the symphony performance.
Shuttle Service:
Off-site parking will be available at South Garner High School (8228 Hebron Church Road).
Shuttles services are free and will begin at 5pm.
The last shuttle to Lake Benson Park will be at 8:45pm.
Shuttles will not operate during the fireworks show. Operations will resume at the conclusion of the fireworks to carry spectators back to South Garner High School.
The following are prohibited: pets, alcoholic beverages, tents/canopies, fireworks/sparklers, glass containers, grills, tailgating, drones, soliciting
Weather
In case of inclement weather, updated information will be posted on the Town of Garner website https://www.garnernc.gov/ and the Town of Garner Facebook page.