Rockford to celebrate Juneteenth at Sinnissippi Park and Hard Rock Casino

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – The city has a full day of celebration planned for Juneteenth.

The Juneteenth holiday commemorates the day when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas finally learned of their freedom, a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.

Beginning at 1 p.m. June 19, performances, food and vendors will be available at Sinnissippi Park.

Juneteenth Celebration at Sinnissippi Park schedule:

1 p.m.: Opening community prayer
1:05 p.m.: Message from Tommy Meeks – 35 years of Juneteenth
1:15 p.m.: District 205 Student Karaoke Contest
2 p.m.: Young Eagles Soaring featuring Trinity Rucker performance
2:30 p.m.: Lady and the Tramp
2:50 p.m.: Juneteenth Queen Introduction
3 p.m.: Interview with Benny Horton, first African American All Conference Quarterback
3:15 p.m.: JC and the Crew R&B Performance
3:40 p.m.: East High School 50 year reunion featuring Russell Pope and a tribute to Jerry Latin
3:50 p.m.: Local elected officials
4:15 p.m.: Fabbie’s Dance Group and hip-hop artist performance
4:45 p.m.: Dorothy Paige-Turner Juneteenth prayers
5 p.m.: Live at Levings talent show and Community Awards
6 p.m.: Soul 2 the Bone

Later that night, a performance is set to take place at the Hard Rock Casino Rockford. The event begins at 8:30 p.m. with a live performance by Synergy Band. The headliner, Lakeside, will perform at 9:15 p.m.

Attendees must be 21 years or older, and a special ticket is required to attend the Hard Rock Casino event.