News Summary
Bluffton and Jasper County are gearing up for an array of Juneteenth celebrations that include the Bluffton Juneteenth Celebration featuring multiple events and the Jasper County Juneteenth Family Festival. These gatherings offer a chance to celebrate Black culture and history through food, music, and community activities, running from June 13 to June 15. The events aim to honor the legacy of Juneteenth, highlighting resilience and cultural heritage.
Bluffton and Jasper County Prepare for Juneteenth Celebrations
Juneteenth Events Scheduled
The Bluffton Juneteenth Celebration is set to take place from June 13 to June 15, organized by the Bluffton MLK Observance Committee. The three-day event will kick off with the 4th Annual Black Food Truck Friday Festival on June 13 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Buckwalter Commerce Park. This opening event is free to attend and offers live entertainment, various vendors, and a selection of food trucks.
Continuing on June 14, the festival will feature numerous activities from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. including a drum circle, African dance performances, more food trucks, and a dedicated children’s zone. The festival will conclude on June 15 with a “Jazz Brunch” at Ma Daisy’s Porch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., which costs $50 per person if purchased in advance and $75 at the door.
Jasper County’s Juneteenth Family Festival
In Jasper County, the 6th Annual Juneteenth Family Festival and Small Business Expo will be held on June 14 from noon until 5 p.m. at 128 Mango Drive in Ridgeland. This event includes food vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities. It is organized by community member Courteney Simmons, inspired by former educator Margie Kidd, to pay homage to the history and significance of Juneteenth.
Significance of Juneteenth
This year’s celebrations mark the tenth annual Bluffton Juneteenth Festival, a commemoration of excellence, liberation, resiliency, and the overall Black experience. Juneteenth, which occurs on June 19, symbolizes the end of slavery in the United States and was officially designated a federal holiday by President Joe Biden in 2021. The celebrations serve as a reminder of the historical struggles faced by enslaved individuals and the resilience of their descendants.
Additional Events in the Lowcountry
Several other events to honor Juneteenth are planned across the Lowcountry region. Free festivities will include festivals, live music, food trucks, and activities for children. The Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park has also scheduled a Juneteenth celebration on June 14 that will extend over the week with performances and cultural exhibits.
In Savannah, the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Center is set to celebrate its grand opening on June 19, coinciding with Juneteenth festivities, highlighting the cultural heritage and contributions of the Gullah Geechee community.
Additional celebrations will unfold on Hilton Head Island and in surrounding areas, offering an array of food vendors, art displays, and various performances to emphasize the importance of this historic occasion.
Conclusion
The upcoming Juneteenth celebrations in Bluffton and Jasper County promise to be vibrant, educational, and reflective of the rich cultural heritage being honored. With a focus on family and community engagement, these events aim to ensure that the legacy of Juneteenth is celebrated for years to come.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Bluffton, Jasper, and Hampton Counties Host Community Events
Additional Resources
- Bluffton Today: Juneteenth Events
- Island Packet: Local News
- Explore Beaufort SC: Juneteenth Celebration
- WJCL: Juneteenth Events
- Savannah Now: Juneteenth Activities
- Wikipedia: Juneteenth
- Google Search: Juneteenth Celebrations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Juneteenth
- Google News: Juneteenth 2025
