Oxford celebrates Juneteenth

Published 6:00 am Sunday, June 19, 2016

Hundreds of residents enjoyed some fun in the sun Saturday and celebrate history without even realizing it.

The eighth annual Oxford Juneteenth Festival was from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Oxford Intermediate School’s parking lot. The family-oriented event included entertainment, water slides, face-painting, hotdogs, local vendors and giveaways all day.

Juneteenth first started as a celebration marking the end of slavery in the United States. It was June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers announced in Texas that those enslaved were free. Oxford residents first started the celebration locally to bring that message.

: Kaitlynn Bibbs, 3, enjoys some funnel cake during Saturday’s Juneteenth Celebration.

: Jamerson Hearn with Alpha Pi Alpha fraternity serves up some cool treats.

: Cernora McGee and her great-grandaughter Kaleigh, 6 months, listen to music during the Juneteenth Celebration.

: Jackie Toney, left, lends a hand to serve funnel cakes to a long line as Eddie Booker, middle, and his wife Bridgette Booker cook the sweet treats. The Bookers, who sell funnel cakes at various festivals, donated their time and supplies for the celebration Saturday.