"STILL I RISE", a poem by Maya Angelou, was recited by Erica Lyle at the Fairfield Juneteenth event. Truevine DOXA Center hosted its first Juneteenth celebration June 19.

An official reading of the Juneteenth Proclamation was read by Freestone county judge Linda Grant to kickoff the outdoor event.

The festival included a kids' zone, with moonwalk, water balloons and various games, a concession stand with hot dogs, popcorn, sausage on a stick, root beer floats and beverages.

A traditional cake walk netted 10 winners, and the stage was the location of the talent showcase, featuring poetry readings, singers and dancers. Jazz trio "Natural Sounds" provided entertainment throughout the day.

Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19 that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger landed at Galveston with the news that the war had ended and the slaves had been freed.