The 17th annual Juneteenth Festival, cancelled this spring because of inclement weather, has been rescheduled for Saturday on McLevy Green in Bridgeport.
The celebration pays tribute to the date June 19, when according to southern folklore, a group of slaves in Texas learned in 1865 that President Abraham Lincoln had granted freedom to them and the others held in slavery on Jan. 1, 1863, with the Emancipation Proclamation.
In years past, the festival included a parade, but activities this year will be concentrated on the downtown green at Main and State streets.
The event gets under way at 2 p.m.
Featured act is the Slammin Band, with Ricky Alan Draugn, and the Latin band, Son7 (Son Siete). Also performing are Brooklyn rhythm and blues act Von Sway and others.
There also will be vendors and representatives from local businesses, health organizations and youth groups.
For information, contact Yolanda Ortiz at 203-526-3705 or Jeff Baldwin at 203-243-9826.
