Juneteenth

Join us to commemorate Juneteenth, a holiday that celebrates the day the last enslaved African-Americans were granted their freedom. On that day in 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas with 2000 Union soldiers and announced that slavery had been abolished. Even though President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation had abolished slavery more than two years before, either news had not reached Galveston or the slave owners there had chosen to ignore it.

The first celebration of Juneteenth began in 1866 when freed slaves in Texas commemorated that day of freedom with prayer services and church gatherings. Juneteenth celebrations then spread throughout the United States. Juneteenth became a Federal holiday in 2021. Today, Americans observe Juneteenth with storytelling, music, food, parades, and other jubilant celebrations of Black culture.

At the Ashland Farmers Market, we will recognize African-American culture with Sentie’s African-Caribbean BBQ, Yamacu’s West African dishes and ginger drinks, and Paulette’s Camaroon-influenced peanut sauces and authentic African dishes. At the Kid’s Corner from 9:30 to 10:30, volunteers will read aloud stories about Juneteenth. Also, local members of AREA (Ashland Residents for Equity & Action) will explain what the group is about before AREA starts their Juneteenth celebration at the Corner Spot at noon. Shop the market early, then head over to the Corner Spot to celebrate.

Food Vendors

Fresh Produce

Flats Mentor Farm
Joyberry Farm
Long Life Farm
Sunshine Farm
Upswing Farm

Seafood & Meat

Boston Swordfish and Tuna
Lilac Hedge Farm

Cheese

Bell and Goose

Baked Goods & Sweets

Crust Bakeshop
Jennifer Lee’s Bakery
OMG Bagels
Swanski’s Bakeshop

Prepared Foods

Ackermann Maple Farm
Dulce D Leche
Everything Jalapeno and Not
Grizzly Ventures
Hapi African Gourmet
Kabob House
Senti’s Kitchen
The Farmer Foodie
Urban Spice World

Beverages

1634 Meadery
Flores de Café
Yamacu

Other

Eric the Knife Sharpener

Artisans

Alchemy Jewelry
Definitely Annie
Social Catalysts

Kids Corner (9:30-10:30)

Read-a-Loud

Musical Act

Kaoruko

Community Tent

GreenUp Ashland Committee