Clarendon County will commemorate Juneteenth with a series of celebrations honoring history, unity, and community.
Kicking off the festivities is the Miss Juneteenth Pageant on Saturday, June 14, at the Cultural Arts Center. The pageant begins at 3 p.m. and is open to participants ages 4 to 18. Applications are now open and can be accessed by scanning the QR code on the official flyer.
On Tuesday, June 18, Inspire Me presents the “Gospel in the Park Juneteenth Festival” at Walker Gamble Park, located at 2358 Walker Gamble Road in New Zion. The event will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. and will feature food trucks, kids’ games, a live DJ, and appearances by community partners. For more information, contact Linda Jackson at (843) 598-8210.
On Wednesday, June 19, the Lighthouse Foundation of South Carolina and Clarendon Community Partners will host the third annual Juneteenth “Marching Together” celebration in downtown Summerton. This year’s event honors 101-year-old World War II veteran and Clarendon native Willie White. A parade will begin at 4:30 p.m., with line-up at 3:30 p.m. at the old Scott’s Branch High School on 4th Street. Kathleen L. Gibson, founder and executive director of the K&H Resource Center, will serve as Grand Marshal.
The festival continues from 3 to 8 p.m. on Railroad Avenue in Summerton and includes performances by the Juneteenth Choir, drummers and dancers, Miss Juneteenth Queens, and music by DJ Soilder Boy. To register as a vendor or parade participant, visit www.lighthouseotis.com/juneteenth or call (803) 825-2118.
