Juneteenth celebration set for Saturday

Metter’s 3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration will be held in Downtown Metter on Saturday, June 7.

The festivities will begin at 4 p.m. with the Juneteenth parade, which will take the traditional homecoming parade route that wraps around all three parks.

There is no pre-registration or fees and anyone is welcome to come out and join the parade. Lineup for the parade will begin at 3 p.m. between the Courthouse and the library.

“Everyone is welcome to come out and join the parade,” said Committee Member Rashida Taylor. “Decorate your vehicles and make some signs. Have fun with it.”

The Grand Marshal for the parade will be Rosa Deloach. Juneteenth honorees Elizabeth Davis, Bearneas Lanier, Melvin Johnson, CW Mainer, J.A McFearson, Almeeter Peoples, Raymond Gibson, Edward Ellis, Grady McCray, Maddie Lou Harper, Cary Edwards and Beatrice Byrd will also be featured in the parade.

Festivities in the park will begin at the conclusion of the parade. Planned entertainment will include a comedian, singers, a DJ, etc.

Returning to entertain the audience will be Barbara Carlyle, who performed at the 2023 and 2024 celebrations. DJ Alvin Jones will provide the music.

Both food and non-food vendors will also be in attendance for the event.

The food vendors that are currently signed up to participate are food trucks Ni Lashay Kitchen, Caribbean Feast and Hobbs Big Boy, and vendors Lemonade Goddess, Food Lion, S&L Treats and More and Better Burgers.

Non-food vendors that are currently signed up to participate are Memory Lane Park, Debbie’s Hats & Things, Diamond’s Queen Jewels, Living Lavish Merchandise, Magnolias & Mudpies, PiT Stop Deiseil, Summer’s Treasures, Stay Focused Merch, Beadcraft Creations, Sandra’s Lillies, LadyLove Unlimited, Georgia Access Health Insurance, TrenDee Collection Boutique, T&M Treasure, T-Mobile, Uniquely Designed, Betty’s Stuff, Renewal by Anderson, Made By May, Refiner’s Fire and Selina Joiner, Avon Independent Ambassador.

“We invite everyone to come out, participate and spend the day in Metter,” said Taylor. “Even if you are not currently signed up to be a vendor, you can still come out and join us.”

Same day registration for being a vendor will be allowed at the festival. There is a $50 fee for non-food vendors and a $100 fee for food vendors, including both pre-packaged and made-on-site food.

Members of the Juneteenth Committee along with Rashida Taylor are Chyrileen Kilcrease, Ann Lanier Dekle, Letrell Thomas, Ebay Williams, Dwana Hughes, Carla Davis, Thanelia Collins and Darien McCray.