2012 Juneteenth Celebration

The 2012 Juneteenth Celebration was held Friday and Saturday, June 15 and 16, with many activities scheduled at the Main Street Farmer's Market.

The oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery, the Juneteenth holiday dates back to June 19, 1865. On that date, a group of Union soldiers landed in Galviston, Texas with the news that the war was over and all slaves were now free. The Texas landing took place a full two and one-half years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation became official.

Saturday's activities included a parade, a talent show, a wing contest and proclamations to several residents by Dyer County Mayor Richard Hill and Dyersburg Mayor John Holden.

information for this article was obtained from www.juneteenth.com/history.htm.