Yahoo Sports Bellingham is celebrating Juneteenth with community parties and picnics. How to join in
Three events are slated in Bellingham to celebrate Juneteenth, which officially marks when slavery ended in the United States.
On June 6, 2020, Gov. Jay Inslee pronounced June 19 as Juneteenth in Washington state, the celebration of the end of slavery in the country, the commemoration of African American freedom, and the celebration of success gained through education and greater opportunity, according to the governor’s proclamation.
“On a larger scale, celebration of Juneteenth reminds each of us of the precious promises of freedom, equality, and opportunity which are at the core of the American dream,” the proclamation states.
President Joe Biden made June 19, commonly referred to as Juneteenth, a national holiday in 2021. Many businesses mark the observance as well.
If you’re looking for local events to celebrate the holiday, here are a few Bellingham events being held:
The Commercial Street Block Party
A Juneteenth block party will be held in downtown Bellingham from 6-9 p.m. on Thursday, June 15. The event is for all ages and will include spotlights on Black-owned businesses and the Double Dutch Divas, as well as food trucks, face painting, games and small business shopping. The event is on the 1300 block of Commercial St. in Bellingham, between Holly and Magnolia streets.
Juneteenth Flag Raising
The city of Bellingham will have a Juneteenth Flag raising at City Hall at 1 p.m. on Friday, June 16. Bellingham City Hall is at 210 Lottie St.
Juneteenth Celebration at Boulevard Park
A Juneteenth Celebration with food trucks, a live DJ, vendors, arts and crafts will be held from 2-6 p.m. on Saturday, June 17th. The event is for all ages and includes ring toss, jumbo checkers, face painting, sack races, family music chairs and a juggler. The event is at Boulevard Park at 470 Bayview Park in Bellingham.
Juneteenth 2023 at Maritime Heritage Park
A community picnic will be held from 2-6 p.m. on Saturday, June 17th with live music, entertainment, a community art wall and will have an ASL interpreter. Participants are encouraged to bring their own food and blankets to the event which is at Maritime Heritage Park at 500 W Holly St. in Bellingham.
Do you know of another Juneteenth celebration in Bellingham? Email asmith@bellinghamherald.com.
