The Cobb County Branch of the NAACP is pleased to announce that Juneteenth will be celebrated once again in the Marietta Square featuring food, merchandise and information vendors, a health fair and entertainment from 10:00 am until 7:00 pm.

Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration of the ending of Slavery. Dating back to 1865, it was June 19th that the union soldiers led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that all slaves were free. This was two and a half years after President Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation. The celebration of June 19th was coined “Juneteenth” and grew with more participation from descendants. Juneteenth today celebrates African-American freedom while encouraging self-development and respect for ALL cultures.

Juneteenth is held in the heart of the city at the Historic Marietta Square. The Square in the spring is a beautiful backdrop for the festival. While enjoying the delicious food and fun, you can also experience Marietta’s history and culture with unique shops and museums.

Organizers request that folks with dogs and other pets please leave them at home where there is adequate shade and water. There is not a place on the festival grounds to accommodate pets. They can leave waste and many young children are frightened around dogs of any size.

Admission to the festival is FREE.

The Cobb County Parking Deck, all county court lots and the Mill Street lot will be available for parking. The parking deck will be free that day; you can enter off Waddell Street. The Mill Street lot is also free. The county court lots are individually owned and parking fees may be applicable.

Please note, parking is not allowed at church parking lots around the Square.