The 20th annual Juneteenth celebration in Junction City was moved indoors from Heritage Park  to the Municipal Building Gymnasium Saturday due to concerns about rain.

Coordinator Delilah Hamilton said, “We’re thankful we rented the building even though we weren’t sure we were going to have to use it, and apparently we do so we’re thankful.”

Booths, musical programs, a juggler, and a speaker were all part of the event. There was also a watermelon feed, bouncy house for children, and numerous vendors who participated.

There were some vendors who did not attend because of the weather, but early Saturday afternoon Hamilton noted the celebration was “turning out pretty good.”

Hamilton appreciated the turnout by the community. “I really am thankful that we’re here in Junction City. And that’s part of what makes this town like home is that we can do stuff and everybody comes and participates.”

Juneteenth celebrates the time in 1865 when slaves learned for the first time about the Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln in January of 1863.

( Pictures from the collection of Delilah Hamilton )