Juneteenth celebrations return to Sinnissippi Park in Rockford. Here’s the schedule of events
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The longest-running observance of Juneteenth in the state returns to Sinnissippi Park on Wednesday for a day filled with music, celebration and education.
Tommy Meeks pioneered local celebrations for decades before the holiday got national recognition. Juneteenth, which commemorates the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation on June 19, 1865, became a national holiday in 2021.
In Rockford, Meeks has organized a celebration for 34 years.
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This year’s festivities begin with a community prayer at 1 p.m. Wednesday. It continues with a variety of events through 9 p.m., wrapping up with a headlining performance by the California-based funk band Con Funk Sun.
The event takes place at the music shell in Sinnissippi Park, 1401 N. Second St., and moves to the Rockford Woman’s Club, 323 Park Ave., in case of inclement weather.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s scheduled:
Rockford Juneeenth celebration schedule
When: 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, June 19
Where: Sinnissippi Park band shell, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford
Online: rockfordparkdistrict.org/juneteenth
Full schedule:
1 p.m. | opening community prayer
1:05 p.m. | Rockford Public Schools talent show
1:45 p.m. | Jaiden Wiggs and Juneteenth Queen competition
2 p.m. | Yes Club performs
2:45 p.m. | Rockford Public Schools awards
3 p.m. | The Serenity Band performs
3:30 p.m. | Speeches from community leaders
4 p.m. | Live at Levings talent show
5 p.m. | Juneteenth history with Dorothy Paige Turner and the Juneteenth Players
5:30 p.m. | Juneteenth Legacy and Community Awards
6 p.m. | Too Deep performs
6:30 p.m. | Dance party
7 p.m. | Las Vegas trip giveaway
7:15 p.m. | Con Funk Shun headlining performance
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
