Juneteenth celebrates community

A performer wows the crowd during a talent show Saturday at Bacon Park.

DAR/B. Kay Richter

The Poplar Bluff community gathered together Saturday, June 17, at Bacon Memorial Park in celebration of Juneteenth. It was part of three days of activities, which started Friday and ended Monday, at Wheatley School.

Michele Webb, president of the NAACP, spoke about the importance of Juneteenth for her and the community. Webb stated Juneteenth is an important event to recognize the emancipation of enslaved people and to understand history.

She continued by saying, “It is important to know where we came from, how far we’ve come, and how much further we have to go.”

Melvina Johnson, a jewelry maker for Urban Crafters, said “Juneteenth gives everyone a chance to have fun, and be free, because it is our freedom day after all.” Johnson stated community involvement for Juneteenth is important for promoting their local businesses, sharing information, linking up with old friends, and of course having a good time.

The Saturday event held multiple activities for people of all ages to enjoy. The painting center served as a spot for people to cool off in the shade, and show off their artistic skills on canvases. Kids played on the two inflatable water slides at the event. One of the inflatables even included an obstacle course inside.

A variety of activities were available Saturday.

DAR/B. Kay Richter

Attendees also competed in pick-up basketball games and athletic challenges. The Poplar Bluff Fire Department held a firefighter test run. Here, people had the opportunity to suit up in a full firefighter suit and save a decoy from a pretend fire. The event also held a three versus three basketball tournament for all ages to play. The court was divided in half so two matches could be held simultaneously.

There were many vendors at the event including the Poplar Bluff Municipal Library, 4-H Clover, NAACP, Urban Crafters, Blackmon’s Snack Shack, Sunflowers Kitchen & Love, Southeast Behavioral Health, Graffiti Bridge, and many more.

Youth were able to try their hand at being a firefighter during the event.

DAR/Hailey Nelson

Carlos Blackmon, owner of Blackmon’s Snack Shack offered an array of food including burgers, nachos, sausages, hot dogs, chips, candy and drinks. Blackmon has been working toward getting a food truck set up. He said his truck should be ready in the next 30 days and will be managed by his wife, Tina Blackmon.

Corretta Bishop, club leader of the 4-H Clover program, shed some light on her program for children ages 5-18. Bishop stated that the 4-H Clover program is built for the advancement of children’s education and leadership skills. They offer many different programs such as reading, soccer, quilting club and even robotics.

R.T. McCain helped with putting the Saturday event together. Every year, the celebrating community grows larger and McCain stated he is proud of the growth and is excited for many more years of celebration.

“We are all together on this Earth, let’s work to make this place better and more inclusive for all of us,” he said.

Local members of 4-H were on hand to share more about their program.

DAR/Hailey Nelson