Public Invited to Celebrate Juneteenth at Wistariahurst Museum

HOLYOKE — On Friday, June 19, Wistariahurst Museum and Genuine Culture welcome guests to the Wistariahurst gardens for Celebrate Juneteenth. This annual event commemorates freedom and the country’s second independence day through community and celebration.

Wistariahurst and Genuine Culture are collaborating for the fourth year to bring back this celebration for the Holyoke community and beyond. Attendees will enjoy activities throughout Wistariahurst’s grounds, including playing games in the gardens, getting creative with hands-on art projects, and more activities for people of all ages.

This event will feature performances including Voices of Praise, storyteller Eshu Bumpus, and DJ Pzo Pete. Local food vendors will also be selling food and drinks for guests to enjoy, including Souper Sweet, White Lion Brewing Co., and Thai Chili Street Food. Other performers and food vendors will be announced.

Black-owned businesses, makers, and artists will be selling a variety of locally made items. Local organizations will also have tables at the event, sharing information about their initiatives and the work they’re doing in the community.

Juneteenth serves as a poignant reminder of the remarkable resilience of Black lives, symbolizing the challenges and victories of formerly enslaved individuals striving for unity, education, and political engagement during the Reconstruction period. Celebrate Juneteenth aims to be going to be a day of joy, making memories, honoring history, and uplifting the voices of the Black community in Holyoke.

Admission to this celebration is completely free and open to the public. The event is sponsored by the Adams Foundation of South Hadley.