
Mark your calendar. A federal holiday is around the corner.
Juneteenth, the holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, is celebrated annually on June 19, aligning with the historic day in 1865 when hundreds of thousands of slaves in Texas received the news that they had been freed.
“Freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The Army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in the state, were free by executive decree,” according to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. “This day came to be known as ‘Juneteenth,’ by the newly freed people in Texas.”
Federal services may close for the holiday, along with some businesses.
Here’s a look at what’s open and closed for the day:
When is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth falls on Thursday, June 19, this year.
When did Juneteenth become a federal holiday?
Juneteenth became recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, with the signing of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act.
Is the post office closed on Juneteenth?
Post offices will close for the holiday, the U.S. Postal Service told the Canton Repository.
Are banks open on Juneteenth?
Banks tend to close on Juneteenth and other federal holidays, but digital services may still be available. Contact your local branch for more information on closings.
Is trash pickup delayed for Juneteenth?
The city of Canton is not expected to delay trash pickup in observance of Juneteenth, as services are scheduled to continue as they would normally.
Are grocery stores open on Juneteenth?
Many grocery stores remain open on Juneteenth. Here’s a look at some local stores in the Stark County area who reported they’d be open during their normal hours:
- Acme, 2905 Whipple Ave. NW, North Canton: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Meijer, 4934 Fulton Drive NW, Jackson Township: 6 a.m. to 12 a.m.
- Giant Eagle, 3100 Cromer Avenue NW, Canton: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Fishers Foods, 5215 Fulton Drive NW, Jackson Township: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Buehler’s Fresh Foods, 7138 Fulton Drive NW, Jackson Township: Store and restaurant open during regular hours
- Save A Lot, 906 Tuscarawas Street W, Canton: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Fresh Thyme, 5509 Dressler Road NW, Jackson Township: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Grocery Outlet, 4844 Everhard Road NW, Jackson Township: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Marc’s, 4825 Dressler Road NW, Jackson Township: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
What’s going on in Stark County for Juneteenth?
There are several events in Stark County celebrating Juneteenth, including:
- The Stark County Black History Museum, located at the McKinley Presidential Library and Museum in Canton, will host a Juneteenth celebration from 6 to 8 p.m. June 18 to commemorate the holiday. Admission is $25, and food will be available. Tameka Ellington, curator of Black history, will host Stark County’s Underground Railroad sites and historical societies as they share stories. She also will oversee a story time for children from 3 to 5 p.m. at the museum. The story time will include punch and red velvet cupcakes prepared by Sweet Lemon Creations, coloring and a take-home craft.
- The Juneteenth Community Festival will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 14 and noon to 6 p.m. June 15 at Nimisilla Park, 1075 O’Jays Blvd. NE, Canton. Live music, vendors, special awards and dedications and a children’s play area will be featured.
- The Elks Cantell Lodge 1417, 735 Ash St., Alliance, will host a Juneteenth Jubilee Dinner at 6 p.m. June 22. Tickets are $29.
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