As the nation gets ready to celebrate Juneteenth as a national holiday, the Rebuilding The Village Committee of Anointed Life Saving Ministries, Inc. is preparing a community celebration, June 17-19, 2022.

Juneteenth is not new to the Mexico community, but rather is a tradition that has been celebrated here for over a decade.

Friday’s activities are sure to please audiences of all ages and will kick-off at 6 p.m. with a performance by Mexico’s own Garfield Drill Team. Daniel Nunnelly and Marylus Thompson came together to help another generation learn the precision steps associated with drill. Additional performances that night will be provided by Sarai the Dancer and the Missouri High Steppers of Columbia.

During the opening events, attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the history of Juneteenth, the meaning behind its flags and other important information. Following the drill team, dancers and drum-line will be a night of old-school jams, R&B and hip-hop provided by DJ Annette Driver. Basketball enthusiasts are encouraged to register for the three-on-three basketball tournament and/or the skills competition. The competition will be divided in age brackets. Cost to register for the skills competition is only $1 a person and the winner will take all. The first round of competition will begin around 7 p.m. Registration will begin at 6 p.m. on the Garfield basketball courts. This event is being coordinated by Jamal Crews.

Saturday will start with a health fair hosted at Ty-land (110 W. Jackson St.) from 9:30– 11 a.m. Several health care professionals will be in attendance. After the health fair, festivities will resume at Garfield Park. There are several vendors, including the United Credit Union Fun Truck, which will be in attendance. The basketball tournament will continue and at 4 p.m. there will be a sack race, followed by a kickball tournament. Music will be provided throughout the day by DJs Charles Thompson and Charlie Reese.

Sunday will start with a worship service at the Mexico United Methodist Church. All are encouraged to attend the service starting at 10:30 a.m. Rev. Kim Lue will bring the message; and the combined Juneteenth Choir will provide a special selection. Rev. Eric Mattson is the host pastor and is being joined by Rev. Richard Mayson of St. Luke United Methodist Church. After the service, everyone is invited to enjoy food and fellowship. The Juneteenth festivities will conclude with a Family Day at Garfield Park starting at 1 p.m. in honor of Father’s Day. There will be games, rhythm and blues music as well as karaoke.

Anthony Herdon, who has been instrumental in coordinating Juneteenth celebrations with Coach Charlie Fry in the past, is looking forward to this year’s celebration. “I’m just looking forward to everyone coming together to have a good time and celebrate this important date in American history.” Juneteenth is actually June 19, but the federal holiday will be observed on Monday, June 20.

Anointed Life Saving Ministries, Inc. extended its gratitude to Joy Coin Laundry for its sponsorship, Mexico Parks and Recreation, as well as the committee for its hard work in planning this year’s event.
For more information contact Anthony Herndon, 573-975-7146.