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The Elgin Juneteenth Organization will mark its 26th year of honoring Black heritage and community spirit with a multiday celebration next week at Veterans Memorial Park.
This downtown celebration for “reclaiming the past, remembering Black voices and reshaping the future” reflects the organization’s mission to celebrate freedom while building community through culture, creativity and connection, organizers said. Festivities begin Wednesday, June 12, with the annual children’s pageant from 4 to 8 p.m. at the park’s expansion area. Open to Bastrop County children ages 3 to 11, the pageant features three age groups. Participants will enjoy a full evening of activities while building confidence and practicing self-expression, according to the organization.
Winners will receive a crown, sash and cash prize, and are invited to ride in the weekend parade. Entry requires a $20 registration fee, and pre-registration is encouraged.
Elgin’s popular night street dance and vendor fair follows Thursday, June 13, offering food, music and a neighborly celebration under the stars. The festivities then hit full stride Friday, beginning at 10 a.m. with the annual Juneteenth Parade, followed by an afternoon of entertainment and a community talent spotlight in the park.
Local artists are invited to showcase their talent by donating their time—organizers are still seeking performers in gospel, blues, jazz, R&B and rap.
For more information or to register as a performer, vendor or parade participant, email [email protected]. Pre-registration for the pageant is available at forms.gle/zQugAHQoFENksJ6g9.
Juneteenth, observed June 19 each year, commemorates the day in 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston and informed enslaved people in Texas they were free—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It is now recognized as a federal holiday and a time to reflect on Black history, resilience and progress.
