By CHRIS HOUCHENS
GlasgowNews1
Glasgow and Barren County residents will mark Juneteenth on Friday, June 19, with a mix of community celebrations and holiday closures affecting government offices and city services.
Juneteenth is observed each year on June 19 to commemorate the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.
The day became a federal holiday in 2021 under President Joe Biden. Because Juneteenth is a federal holiday, federal offices will be closed Friday, June 19. Banks will also be closed, and there will be no mail delivery.
Glasgow City Hall will be closed for the holiday, and several city services will run on modified schedules. The Glasgow Transit System will operate on an abbreviated schedule Friday for Juneteenth. Sanitation service will follow a modified schedule, with both Friday and Monday residential routes set to be picked up Monday, June 22. The landfill will operate on abbreviated hours Friday from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
The Barren County Government Center will be closed in observance of Juneteenth. All offices located inside the Government Center will be closed, along with the Barren County Road Department.
Alongside the closures, several community events are planned to celebrate the holiday.
The Barren County Family YMCA will host a Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom on Friday, June 19, beginning at 11 a.m. YMCA officials say the event is free and open to the community and will include refreshments and guest speakers.
The Boys & Girls Club of Glasgow-Barren County will host its 3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration on Friday, June 19, from noon until 3:30 p.m. at historic Twyman Park in Glasgow. The community event will feature live music, food, cultural celebrations and activities. H Walker will serve as the keynote speaker. Scheduled appearances include Flexrl, Mr. Jaylin, Kaios, Faith Curry and KSwagg, along with special guest DJ Reezy. The event is open to the public. Those attending are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Free hot dogs and hamburgers will be available while supplies last.
KEY FACTS
– Residents in Glasgow and Barren County will celebrate Juneteenth on Friday, June 19
– Federal offices, banks and mail service will be closed for the holiday
– Barren County Family YMCA will host a free Juneteenth celebration at 11 a.m.
– Boys & Girls Club will hold its 3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration noon to 3:30 p.m. at historic Twyman Park
