The Town of Greeneville and George Clem Multicultural Alliance announce the details of Greeneville’s fourth annual Juneteenth celebration. The free event will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 21. Entertainment, food vendors, booths, and kids’ zone with inflatables and other activities will be set up at Bicentennial Park behind the Library.
The celebration will begin at 4 p.m. with a welcome from Mayor Cal Doty with Candi Turner and Shanda Story of GCMA. Scripture reading and prayer will be led by Rev. Sarah Varnell of Trinity United Methodist Church. Entertainments includes Kelle Jolly, Devoted, and JessBless.
Kelle Jolly is an “Affrilachian-Georgia-lina-Peach,” embracing a rich blend of cultural influences. Through the art of storytelling and her mastery of the ukulele, she joyfully expresses her folk traditions. Kelle is a firm believer in the power of bringing together like-minded individuals to foster resilient communities. Her heart lies in the Appalachian region, which she proudly calls home.
Devoted is a gospel vocal group that shares their gift of praise and worship at area churches, Greeneville Iris Festival, Rogersville Heritage Days, and other events.
JessBless will be headlining the event. She a promising R&B singer and songwriter who brings passion, soul, and emotion to her music. A prolific talent, JessBless has already performed in numerous cities and states, including note-worthy acts in Knoxville, Milwaukee, Detroit, Atlanta, Memphis, and Brooklyn. The artist has even been awarded the Female Vocalist of the Year award at the American Entertainment Awards in May 2022 and won the Prestigious Award in June 2023.
A limited number of chairs and shade tents will be available for the audience. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chair or picnic blanket to enjoy the festivities.
In addition to live entertainment, the Juneteenth celebration will feature food vendors and activities throughout the day. Carolina Ace Barbecue, Creamy Cup Ice Cream, Marcus Cameron (chicken and fish), and The Sweet Spot (kettle corn, candy, and dirty sodas) will be selling food and treats.
The Kids’ Zone hosted by FCC Greene and Boys and Girls Club of Greeneville and Greene County will feature oversized games, bubbles, and hula hoops. Other activities include inflatables. Children of all ages can visit firefighters and their fire engine, as well as the Greeneville City Schools Book Bus.
More details can be found at www.facebook.com, then search for the event “Greeneville Juneteenth” or by visiting https://www.greenevilletn.gov/page/juneteenth
Juneteenth, which became a federal holiday in 2021, commemorates the June 19, 1865, announcement proclaiming freedom for enslaved people in Texas, the last state of the Confederacy with institutional slavery.
For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Carla Bewley at [email protected] or 423-639-8322. If you would like to volunteer at the event or set up an informational booth, please contact Christina Potts at [email protected] or 423-783-2860.
