For the first time, a Juneteenth celebration will be held in the City of Troy.

Juneteenth Independence Day or Freedom Day is an American holiday that commemorates the June 19, 1865, announcement of the abolition of slavery in the United States.

Jamie McClain, president of the local sponsoring organization, SAFFE (Securing a Future For Everyone), said on June 19,1865, a Union officer General Gordon Granger, arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce that President Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation and the Civil War was over. Slavery had ended.

“We will commemorate that special day with a Juneteenth Independence Day celebration on Saturday with a parade in downtown Troy and festivities afterwards.”

The Juneteenth Day celebration will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday with a parade that begins at the Troy Police Station on Elm Street.

“The parade will go from Elm Street through the square and down Walnut Street,” McClain said. “There is a $15 fee to put an entry in the parade and reservations must be made by 5 p.m. June 15. Following the parade, we will have a community celebration at the Academy School softball field on Farrior Street and everyone is invited.”

The Juneteenth Day celebration will include a softball tournament, a DJ, games for the kids and activities for all ages.

“We’ll have vendors with African attire, jewelry, books and many other things,” McClain said. “There will be several food vendors so there will be a lot to do and plenty to eat.”

Vendor booths are $25 and are available until 5 p.m. on June 15.

To enter the Juneteenth parade or reserve a vendor booth, call 334-372-2668 by 5 p.m. today.