Forney Juneteenth Festival

The City of Forney is proud to announce a community event to celebrate Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. The event, presented by the Forney Juneteenth Festival Committee, in collaboration with the City of Forney, is free to attend but registration is required, which began May 19, 2023. The Forney Juneteenth Festival will take place on June 17, 2023, at the Spellman Amphitheater from 4:00 pm until 9:00 pm.

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, marks the day when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865, to announce that the Civil War had ended, and all enslaved people were now free. This event came two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln on September 22, 1862, with a January 1, 1863, effective date. On January 1, 1980, Texas became the first state to recognize Juneteenth as a State Holiday. Juneteenth became a national holiday in the United States on June 17, 2021. The City of Forney officially made Juneteenth a city holiday on February 7, 2023.

The Juneteenth event will feature a variety of activities for all ages, including live music, food vendors, educational exhibits, small business vendors and orators. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about history and the significance of Juneteenth, as well as celebrate progress that has been made towards racial equality through education and entrepreneurship.

“We are excited to bring the community together to celebrate Juneteenth and honor the legacy of those who fought for freedom and equality,” said Darryl Malloy, Committee Chair of the Forney Juneteenth Festival. “This event is an opportunity to learn, reflect, and celebrate progress while still acknowledging and embracing the opportunities that change and growth provide through education and entrepreneurship.”

The event is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the live music and festivities.

For more information about the Forney Juneteenth Festival event, including sponsorship opportunities, please contact Darryl Malloy at (469)649-6274 or visit ForneyTX.gov/Juneteenth. We look forward to seeing you there!