Lower Gwynedd Community Picnic Planned For Juneteenth Fest

LOWER GWYNEDD, PA - All residents are invited to Ambler Borough and Lower Gwynedd Township’s Juneteenth Fest community picnic, which will take place this year at Bethlehem Baptist Church.

The picnic, set for Saturday, June 17 from 2 to 4 p.m., is slated to offer a barbeque, speakers, vendors and games, according to a flier from the township.

The event is sponsored by the Ambler Borough Council and mayor, as well as Lower Gwynedd supervisors and Lower Gwynedd Police Department.

Juneteenth, which is short for June 19th, is a 156-year-old holiday that celebrates the emancipation of African Americans from slavery in the United States.

"Juneteenth today celebrates African-American freedom and achievement, while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures," according to Juneteenth.com in an explanation of the holiday.

On June 19, 1865, Union Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform enslaved African Americans that the Civil War was over and slavery had been abolished.

Granger publicly read General Order No. 3, which said: "The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free."

Granger's announcement implemented the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas, more than 2-1/2 years after President Abraham Lincoln first issued it in 1863 .

Initially, the presidential order caused little change in Texas due to the lack of Union troops to enforce it.

Read More: What Is Juneteenth? 5 Things To Know About The Holiday