Fauquier County NAACP is inviting the community to come out to their 2nd Annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival Celebration this Saturday, June 18th from 11 am to 8 pm on Main Street in Old Town Warrenton.
A celebration of African American culture and freedom, this exciting event will be packed with food, games, fun, and activities suitable for the entire family!
This outdoor Main Street event will feature live Jazz bands, R&B bands, a gospel choir, a rap battle, a Chamba African Dance troupe, Mr. & Mrs. Juneteenth contest, a Sweet Potato pie contest, black history education, vendors, and more.
Juneteenth itinerary
- Rap Contest 1:00-1:30 p.m.
Local young rappers and spoken word artists will be competing for prize money. It will be a fun and wholesome Apollo-style audience with the crowd determining the winner as these young people showcase their talents! - Chihamba African Dance Troupe 2:00-2:30 p.m.
Lillie Williams, the director of Charlottesville’s own Chihamba Dance Troupe. Chihamba is a non-profit community organization dedicated to providing a better understanding of African Cultures through music and dance. The drum and dance performances are based on traditional West African pieces. Timeless rhythms bring to life the spirit of the African culture with pure energy and excitement. The spirit of Chihamba is catching! The group delivers a message of peace and love with extraordinary energy. The smiles on the performer’s faces show a sincerity that is lacking in today’s world. In Chihamba performances the audience is invited to join in to dance and celebrate the spirit of the African culture. - Hair Braiding Contest 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Local beauticians will be competing for prize money. As they bring their skills to the stage, whether it be Tight and edgy cornrow styles, cornrowed buns, or wrap-around braids and twists for black hair with feminine accessories. The beauticians and their models will display their talents at the Juneteenth Celebration. - FAYCEZ U KNOW Performance 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Faycez U Know Band is an American Soul and Funk band from the Washington, DC Metropolitan (DMV) area with the drive of the DC “Go-Go” swing. They have the showmanship vastly compared to the likes of the Rolling Stones, and the versatility of a Parliament Party…The group is blessed with musicians who are determined to provide the entertainment of the old-school showstoppers while carrying the modern sound of music. The group’s quintessential soul singer (Halima Peru) hails from Miami, Florida and so does her raw sound, sun-kissed voice, and feet that are sure to roam the stage and crowd. The sultry-voiced male singer (Keenen (KO) Ivor) delivers satisfaction faster than a speeding bullet. That grand sound of the bass guitar comes from no other than Kenneth “Doc” Hughes. Anthony “Tom Tom” Talley & Dennis Garland JR adds that powerful keyboard fire and creativity to the stage while Dave Gussom adds that amazing rhythm and lead guitar to give the music that smooth silky sound. The phenomenal percussion section is led by William (Keemy) Slade on drums, and Craig “Clip” Clipper.
Admission is free. Vendor booths will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Folks may want to bring a chair to sit in while enjoying the music, which will continue until 8 p.m. Bring your friends, bring your family, come out and join in the celebration!
The 2nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration is sponsored by the AAHA, View Tree Lodge No. 142, Fauquier NAACP and In-A-Bein. This event has also received generous support from local businesses.
View the NAACP’s Fauquier County Branch website for more details.
