Juneteenth events scheduled for this weekend in Columbia
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Columbia will hold several events in honor of "Juneteenth", including its Third Annual Juneteenth Parade in downtown Columbia.
The parade is set to start on Broadway and Waugh Street at 9:00 a.m. and make its way to Douglass Park.
The Columbia Police Department posted on its Facebook Friday saying Broadway will be closed from College Avenue to Providence Road for the duration of the event.
The department has also asked that people drive carefully and be aware of additional pedestrian traffic related to the parade.
"Juneteenth" marks the official end to slavery as federal troops marched into Galveston, Texas to ensure all enslaved people were free over 100 years ago.
2022 was the first year Columbia observed the national holiday and closed city offices.
In 2021, Juneteenth became a national holiday after President Biden signed a document making it official.
According to a press release, Columbia will hold the following events along with its annual parade Saturday:
- COMO Juneteenth Celebration at Douglass Park - 400 N. Providence Road, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Extravagantly Lit - 2nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration for Small Businesses - The Armory, 701 E. Ash St., 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
- Community Outreach Park Jam - Indian Hills Park, 5009 Aztec Blvd., 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.
- Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration - Shelter Gardens, 1817 W. Broadway, 5 - 8 p.m
Jefferson City Juneteenth Events:
- Juneteenth Heritage Festival Celebration -725 Marshall St, Jefferson City, MO, 11:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
City offices will be closed on Monday in observance of Juneteenth.
