Office of Mayor Thaddeus Kirkland
Date: Thursday, June 17, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
contact: Aigner Cleveland
Press Secretary
MEDIA ALERT: INVITATION FOR COVERAGE
10th Annual Chester Juneteenth Festival Set for June 19
(CHESTER, PA) – The city of Chester in partnership with St. Daniel’s Ray of Hope CDC will host the 10th Annual Chester Juneteenth Festival on Saturday, June 19, 2021, at Memorial Park from noon to 6 p.m.
This year, WDAS radio personality Frankie Darcel will serve as the event’s Emcee.
Attendees can come out to Memorial Park and be a part of learning about Juneteenth History. This free event will include fun for the entire family with attractions that include live performances, music, food and craft vendors, face painting, swimming, and much more.
A COVID-19 Pop-Up Vaccination Clinic will also take place at the celebration. Anyone who wishes to be vaccinated will be able to choose from the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. Children 12 years of age and older are eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine with parental consent. Vaccines are free. Health insurance, appointments, or identification are not required.
This is a rain or shine event.
Performers include:
· Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble
· Clayton Jackson (Saxophonist)
· Raising Kane Band
· Jared McCready (Gospel Artist)
· Lisa Dennis (Gospel Artist)
· Red Spade (Rapper)
· Zoay’(Jazz Band)
WHO: The city of Chester in partnership with St. Daniel’s Ray of Hope CDC
WHAT: Will host the 10th Annual Chester Juneteenth Festival
WHERE: Memorial Park
2300 W. 7th Street
Chester, PA 19013
WHEN: Saturday, June 19, 2021, from noon – 6 p.m.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating 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. Note that 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.
(source: www.juneteenth.com).