Juneteenth 2023: Polk County celebrations start Thursday and run into July
Juneteenth is the newest federal holiday, and celebrations are spreading across Polk County.
The holiday, signed into federal law by President Joe Biden, celebrates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. It is marked June 19, the day in 1865 when Union soldiers led by Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of the Civil War and the freedom of the enslaved.
It was over two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued on January 1, 1863.
Juneteenth celebrations focus on the day's historical roots, its lasting impact on the Black communities and celebrating the cultural heritage of Black Americans in their food, music and more.
Here's a list of Juneteenth events happening across Polk County:
June 15
Winter Haven
Winter Haven's Recreational and Cultural Center will host a informal town hall titled, "Juneteenth: It's history, impact and significance today" Thursday, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The center is located at 801 Ave. T NE, Winter Haven. More information can be found on mywinterhaven.com.
June 16
Haines City
The Haines City Juneteenth Heritage Coalition and Jarrett Gordon Ford Foundation present the 2023 Juneteenth Black Tie Gala Friday with a 6 p.m. reception and 7 p.m. gala at the Lake Eva Event Center, 799 Johns Ave., Haines City. The event will feature emcee Keith Bonney, speaker Lynn Marshall, artwork of Kent McCallister, 3 Kings Catering and Crystal Capheart and The Music Therapy. Tickets are $60 per person, $500 for a table of 10. For more information, call 863-651-6776 or email hcjuneteenth@gmail.com.
Lake Wales
Join Lake Wales for its Juneteenth Festival & Block Party on Friday from 6 to 9 p.m., at 220 Lincoln Ave., Lake Wales. The event will feature live performances and vendors. For more information, contact DJ Bush at 863-455-4090.
Winter Haven
Watch Movies at the Maude as Winter Haven shows the award-winning 2007 film "The Great Debaters" Friday, 8 p.m. at Lake Maude Recreation Park, 1751 7th St. NW, Winter Haven. The movie features actor Denzel Washington as professor Melvin B. Tolson, who recruits the first Black debate team to take on Harvard University's champions. Attendees should bring their own blankets and chairs. Popcorn and other light refreshments will be for sale. More information can be found on mywinterhaven.com.
Top home sales in May Home owned by Publix CEO is Polk County's most expensive sold in May
For first time Florida United Methodists approve LGBTQ clergy at Lakeland meeting
Scott Lake Crews work to fix Lakeland sinkhole, property owner given 30 days to complete repairs
June 17
Bartow
Bartow's Juneteenth Community Street Celebration will take place Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Under the Branch Street park. This free event will feature live entertainment, food trucks and retail vendors.
Haines City
Haines City will host Juneteenth Wave of Freedom Parade and Music Festival on Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Myers and Wiley Field, 915 Ave E, Haines City. Admission is free.
Lakeland
The Juneteenth Heritage and Cultural Preservation Association Inc. will host its 31st annual Juneteenth Observance on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Jackson Park, 1130 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Lakeland. The event features free food, music, health stations, voter registration, life skills and a hot dog-eating contest.
Juneteenth Community Observance offers a free celebration of freedom and community honoring African American achievements, providing education and healing Saturday from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Coleman-Bush Building, 1104 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, Lakeland. The event will feature a hair fashion show with stylist Nedra Butler, barber Ken Davis II and performances by Crystal World of Dance. Suggested donation is $10. Call 863-271-3386 for more information.
Polk City
The third annual Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom will be held Saturday from 3 to 7 p.m., at Freedom Park, 100-578 Berkley Road, Polk City.
Winter Haven
Winter Haven will host its 2023 Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Lake Maude Recreation Park, 1751 7th S. NW, Winter Haven. The free event aims to enhance understanding of African American culture by infusing the visual and performing arts. Featured performers include Beat Down Band and Bing Queens. More information can be found on mywinterhaven.com.
June 19
Bartow
Bartow Juneteenth Committee will host a Wave of Freedom and Man of Distinction Luncheon starting 11 a.m. Monday recognizing Black members of the Bartow community for their contributions at Polk Street Community Center, 1255 Polk St, Bartow. Tickets are $20 per person. Contact Jamie Gaskin at 863-221-4072 for more information or ticket purchases. Walk-in seating is available.
Dundee
Dundee will host its Juneteenth Community Festival on Monday from 4 to 8 p.m., at the Dundee Community Center, 603 Lake Marie Blvd., Dundee.
June 23
Lakeland
A Motown fashion show will be held at Polk State College's Lakeland Campus on June 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. The campus is located at 3425 Winter Lake Road, Lakeland.
June 24
Lakeland
A Juneteenth Corvette Car Show will be held June 24 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Lake Mirror Amphitheater, 121 Lake Ave., Lakeland. Pre-Registration costs $20 through June 23, with day-of registration starting at 8:30 a.m. at a fee of $25 per vehicle. Trophies will be awarded. More information is available, including a registration form at juneteenthflorida.org.
July 1
Lakeland
The Juneteenth Polk County inaugural film festival will be held July 1 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., at Polk State College's Lakeland Campus, 3425 Winter Lake Road, Lakeland.
Have a Juneteenth event not listed here? Email swalsh@theledger.com to have it added. Follow on Twitter @SaraWalshFl.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Polk County's 2023 Juneteenth celebration kickoff Thursday
