Four Juneteenth celebrations taking place in Vermont
VERMONT (ABC22/FOX44) – Vermonters across the state will be gathering together to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States.
Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021, but it has been traditionally celebrated among African-Americans in the U.S. since 1866, shortly after Emancipation and the Civil War. Vermont was one of the first states to abolish slavery in 1777, before it became part of the U.S..
Juneteenth: The long road to becoming a federal holiday
The City of South Burlington will hold its celebration on Thursday, June 19 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. in Veterans Memorial Park. The events will include a craft fair and music, and the city says it will be 'highlighting BIPOC food vendors and business owners as well as BIPOC-focused non-profit organizations'.
Winooski is holding its 'Juneteenth Block Party' in Rotary Park on Friday, June 20. The event is scheduled from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m..
Burlington's Juneteenth festivities will take place on Saturday, June 21 from 2:00 to 10:00 p.m., with celebrations on Church Street and in City Hall Park. City mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak welcomed the public to the event, calling it 'not just a commemoration of freedom, but a powerful statement of our commitment to racial equity and social justice in the City of Burlington.'
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Hartford, together with Bethel and Lebanon, New Hampshire, will also be holding their celebration on Saturday, June 21, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Lyman Point Park. The town is welcoming speakers including Vermont state senators Kesha Ram Hinsdale and Joe Major, and New Hampshire executive councillor Karen Liot Hill.
More events may still be announced. Cities across Vermont including Rutland and Essex have held events in the past, and more information may be found on your community's website or social media page.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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