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Celebrating Food, Fellowship, & Freedom

Walking down Main Street in Fountain Inn, the smell of BBQ meat, fresh squeezed lemonade and sweet desserts wafted through the air. The sounds of great poets and musicians rang in our ears as we celebrated the 3rd Annual Juneteenth Festival last Saturday. We host many festivals in our town, but this one rightfully celebrates the freedom, resilience and the African American culture.

           

Some Photos from Juneteenth 2024 in Fountain Inn


On June 19th, 1865, Union Army General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, TX and delivered a historic announcement that all enslaved African Americans were free. This date, now officially known as Juneteenth National Independence Day, commemorates the end of slavery and holds deep historical and cultural importance. From festivals, parades and church services to food and music, cities and towns all over the U.S.

            In Fountain Inn, a committee of local business and church leaders decided to host the festival on June 15th. The nearly 6,000 attendees had many food options from 18 food trucks and vendors. People feasted all day on amazing BBQ from Wholy Smoke, BBQ on the Avenue and Todd’s Smokey BBQ. For those folks not in the mood for BBQ, there was Creole food from C’est Si Bon, Jamaican from Kingston Homestyle Kitchen, Dial Fish Co and Sub Street among many other options.


Some Photos from Juneteenth 2024 in Fountain Inn

           

Although it was very hot outside, there was plenty of lemonade, frozen ice and other cold treats from vendors like Rick’s Lemonade, The Crave Bar and Tropical Sno. If you weren’t in the mood for ice, some other options from Xtreme Cheescakez, Tastee Cravings and Buck’s Hot Nuts, and Popcorn hopefully left you satisfied. With all the food and beverage options, there was something for the whole family!

After bellies were full, there was a great selection of shopping for adults and kids. Local artists, crafters, makers, builders, and authors were on hand selling their merchandise. The youngsters had their own options for activities. A game section was created offering plastic axe throwing, giant kickball darts, and flashing cones right next to the Fire Station’s misting tent. All of these activities were free of charge! Speaking of kids, there were a few impressive youthpreneurs in their own space selling their handmade goods.

Although most of the enthusiasm surrounded the food and shopping, the talent did not disappoint. All afternoon a jam-packed agenda kept visitors entertained with a Poetry Slam contest for both adults and kids, a special performance by the Tickle Mites and a two-hour performance by the very talented Jarius Duncan.

     All in all, it was another successful event, bringing out people from all backgrounds. Juneteenth is a holiday that is part of everyone’s history and will continue to increase in popularity. For more information on the history of Juneteenth visit Britannica.com. Next year’s event in Fountain Inn will be held on June 21st.


          

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