event in Bunkie.
Juneteenth is recognized on June 19 commemorating the emancipation of
slaves in the United States. The date marks the day federal troops arrived in
Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of Texas and free all people of color.
The day officially became a federal holiday on June 17, 2021.
A Juneteenth celebration will be held in Bunkie on Wednesday and
Thursday, June 18 & 19 and Saturday and Sunday, June 21 & 22.
Chris Robinson, Bunkie native, founded the Avoyelles Parish and Central
Louisiana Juneteenth Gala celebration Week in 2021 with the help of a team
and supporters. “My dream and my passion was always to continue to grow
this event,” Robinson said. It was due time that we would outgrow the Haas
Auditorium and come to a larger venue, with a great host and support as
Paragon.”
Wednesday- Praise & Worship night
On Wednesday, June 18 a special Juneteenth praise and worship service
will be held at 6 p.m. at Amazon Baptist Church, 411 N. Chestnut St., in
Bunkie.
Thursday- Quiz Bowl
On Thursday, April 19 a Juneteenth quiz bowl will take place at New Life
Baptist Church, 608 Frazier St. in Bunkie at 6 p.m.
Saturday- 4th Annual Gala
On Saturday, June 21, the 4th Annual Juneteenth Black Excellence Gala
“Surviving and Sustaining” will be held at Paragon Casino in Marksville. This
event will feature guest speakers, CDH- MC, Kennan Malveaux- DJ and The
Alliance Band. Organizers also plan to award scholarships to local high school
seniors.
The gala will be held from 6 p.m. to 12 midnight. Cocktail hour will start
at 5 p.m. No outside food or drinks allowed. Dinner will be served and cash
bar will be available.
Tickets are $65 per person and tables of ten are $500. Once tables and/or
individual tickets are sold out, no one will be allowed into the event. A hotel
discount is available for Gala attendees staying at the casino hotel, use booking
code BEG621G by June 6, to receive the special rate.
Contact 305-6726 or go to MenofHonorAVP.com.
Sunday- Funday
The annual Juneteenth festival will be held Sunday, June 22 at 2 p.m.
Parade line up will begin at 2 p.m. and is free to participate. Start of parade
will be at the Haas Auditorium.
There will also be a Black Pot cookoff, car show, Spades tournament, cornhole
tournament, food and drinks and community engagement at Tails & Fins
in Bunkie.
Any interested vendors or to sign-up contact Kalen or Jason Jones at 337-
793-6163 or 318-300-8274.