First Baptist Church’s Juneteenth celebration begins June 16; sponsorships, booth space available

QUINCY — First Baptist Church will host the Juneteenth June 16-18 with an electrifying “trichotomy of celebrations.”

Part one of the trichotomy is the “Making a Difference” gala on Friday, June 16 at the Oakley-Lindsey Center. A meet and greet will start the evening at 5 p.m., with a catered dinner served at 6 p.m. The program will recognize several pillars of the Quincy community. Back by popular demand to close out the evening is the musical group “The Original Voices.” Tickets for the gala will go on sale April 15.

The Juneteenth festival will be held Saturday, June 17, at Jackson-Lincoln Pool. This festival will begin at 1 p.m. with various activities and games for all ages, as well as the Mid Missouri High Steppers from Columbia, Mo., as the signature event for the festival. People attending are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

Other activities at the festival will be:

• vendors
• bounce houses open 1-5 p.m.
• giveaways
• health fair
• kid zone
• historical reenactments
• live DJ
• praise dancers
• dance troops
• gospel music
• cornhole tournament $10 per person

The Matt Roberts Blues Band will close out the event from 7-8:30 p.m.

The trichotomy of celebration will conclude with a melodic community gospel concert on Sunday, June 18, beginning at 2:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Eighth and Elm. Guest choir conductors Malcom Speed, Joseph Prince and Anita Watkins-Stevens will lead the performers in concert. Anyone interested in performing in the choir is asked to sign up at http://celebrateqcyjuneteenth.com. A series of rehearsals will be held on Saturdays in May.

For more information about any of the events, contact:

• vendor information — Alan Hickman at 217-316-3073
• gala information — Lena Jones at 217-617-2861
• choir information — Vivian Wires at 217-316-3919

More information about the Juneteenth celebration is available at http://celebrateqcyjuneteenth.com.