June Is Juneteenth Month In Hays County

Photo – Left to right are organizers and enjoyers of Juneteenth events at the June 7 Hays County Commissioners Court meeting: Precinct 2 Commissioner Mark Jones, Precinct 1 Constable David Peterson, County Judge Bert Cobb, M.D., Mark Kennedy, Jon Leonard, Cindy Carter, Nathalene Matthews, Loraine Burleson, Rachel Garnes, Precinct 1 Commissioner Debbie Gonzales Ingalsbe and Rose Brooks (holding proclamation), Ollie Giles, Precinct 3 Commissioner Will Conley, Candace Mosley, Lex Garro-Pritchett, Precinct 4 Commissioner Ray Whisenant and Gesica Nava                                                    -Short.

Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX – The Hays County Commissioners Court proclaimed June as Juneteenth Month in Hays County at its June 7 meeting and invited the public throughout Hays County to enjoy the celebrations that will take place.

“This is a special time of remembrance,” Precinct 1 Commissioner Debbie Gonzales Ingalsbe said, and joined the Court in thanking the volunteers who make the celebration an event for all to enjoy.

Juneteenth marks the day – June 19, 1865 – that slaves in Texas found out they had been freed by the Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Lincoln on January 1, 1863. Union soldiers landed at Galveston Bay with the news two-and-a-half-years later.

In San Marcos, fundraising events and fun will be a big part of the celebrations. The Garland Warren-Rose Brooks-Nell Burleson Cake Auction, which funds college scholarships for area students, kicks off at 7 p.m. June 16 at the San Marcos Activity Center. The BBQ cook-off will be underway at Park Plaza June 17 and 18 and a parade June 18 begins at 10 a.m. at the Dunbar Center (lineup begins at 9 a.m.) and finishes at Park Plaza.

Hays County officials invite everyone to enjoy the festivities and celebrate the anniversary of this historic event.