Juneteenth Celebration

Saturday, June 15, and Sunday, June 16, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, making this year’s Juneteenth festivities extra special. The 20th annual celebration will take place beginning June 15 and continue on June 16 at Comer Cox Park at Capitol Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.

On Friday, June 14, there will be a showing of the movie Hotel Transylvania. Bring a chair or blanket. The free film viewing is sponsored by the Springfield Park District.

Saturday will officially begin the Juneteenth Celebration with the kickoff parade at 10 a.m. starting at Martin Luther King Drive and making its way down Brown Street. The two-day event will feature a variety of vendors and entertainment on two main stages. Plus the 3-on-3 Springfield Gus Macker basketball tournament returns both days. See www.macker.com for more info.

Running both days from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., you’ll want to bring your family to all the free events. It’s open to the public and fun for all.