2023 Juneteenth Celebration

Join us in creating lifelong memories through an engaging and educational day of culture!

• Date: Saturday, June 17th, 2023
• Time: 11am – 4pm
• Location: Lake Maude Recreation Park 

June 19th is the official day of observance to celebrate African American and our newest National Holiday! Juneteenth marks the liberation of thousands of enslaved people of Galveston, Texas, on June 19th, 1865. This was two and a half years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. It is a tribute to the perseverance, and faith of African Americans.

Utilizing the many nonprofits and local educational institutions within Polk County, the festival will promote and provide an abundance of education and health resources. Additionally, his event will enhance each attendees’ understanding of African American culture by strategically infusing the visual and performing arts. The City aims to provide fun and safe activities, community awards, contests, and games while enjoying influential jazz and R&B musical acts.

Vendors & Sponsors

Winter Haven is home to over 1,500 minority-owned businesses. This celebration will provide vendors of all categories with the opportunity to expand their customer base while pouring into their own community. Limited vendor spots are available. Please take not of the following guidelines:

• Nonprofit vendor space (10×10): Please email Natalie Wilson for further information: nwilson@mywinterhaven.com
• Business vendor space (10×10): $60 / $75 after May 19^th
• Food vendor space (10×10): $95 / $135 after May 19^th
• Retail & Non-profit vendors are restricted from distributing/selling any food or beverage items.
• All applications are due by May 26^th, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.
• All vendor fees must be submitted in full by June 1^st, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.
• Vendors are required to stay for the entirety of the event.

VENDOR APPLICATIONS NOT YET OPEN

– Juneteenth Celebration Committee

What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, on June 19th, the Union soldiers landed at Galveston, Texas, with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation – which had become official on January 1st, 1863. Juneteenth today celebrates African American freedom and achievement while encouraging unity and respect for all cultures.

Scholarship Opportunities 

• The Lem Geathers Future Change Maker Scholarship (sponsored by The Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce)

The Future Change Maker Scholarship is awarded to a high school senior and Winter Haven resident based on their creative sharing, explanation, or interpretation of the significant history of the emancipation of African Americans who had been enslaved in the United States.

Award Amount: $1,000 (for one semester) & $100 for the teacher or school administrator of their choice.

Scholarship Application

Juneteenth Celebration Committee Members:

• Andrej Lott
• Breezi Hicks
• Christine Samuels
• George Tinsley II
• Julie Adams
• Kadian Parchment
• Larentis Smith
• Monifia Neal
• Natalie Wilson
• Pamela Musgrove Turner
• Patricia Smithfield
• Prima Burney
• Scott Eilers
• Valparisa Baker
• Yulonda Bell
• Sara Beth Wyatt

Thank you to our event sponsors and supporters!