The City of Mauldin will host its second annual Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 21 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Mauldin Cultural Center outdoor amphitheater. The free, family-friendly event will feature an outdoor market, food trucks, beer and wine from Growler Haus, historical exhibits, children’s activities and live performances from local artists as well as headliner The Night Affair Band. The event is intended to be an uplifting celebration of Black history and culture for all community members to enjoy.
“Juneteenth is a profoundly important day of celebration, reflection and community, and we are thrilled to once again host this vibrant event,” said Kristofer Parker, Theatre Manager at the Mauldin Cultural Center and head of the Juneteenth Planning Committee. “We’re proud to provide a space where our community can learn, commemorate this pivotal moment in American history, and celebrate the enduring cultural contributions of the Black community here in Mauldin and beyond.”
In November of 2023, Mauldin City Council unanimously voted to adopt Juneteenth as a City holiday beginning in 2024, and staff made plans for the City’s first Juneteenth celebration. Last year’s inaugural Juneteenth event was organized by a planning committee comprised of both staff and community members, and the group reconvened to plan this year’s event.
“It’s an honor to serve on the Juneteenth Planning Committee again this year,” said event MC April C. Evans. “The fact that the City continues to embrace this celebration says so much about the direction we are moving in. Last year, we saw how this event created space for connection, culture, and conversation. This year, I am excited to see us build on that momentum. It is about honoring history while shaping the kind of community we want today and for generations to come.”
Evans also noted that the planning committee listened to the community’s feedback and shifted the time of the event, scheduled from 5 to 9 p.m. this year in an effort to beat the summer heat.
“This year, the celebration will kick off later in the evening, because let’s be honest — that June heat can wear you out,” Evans said. “Now the community can enjoy the music, shop with some amazing vendors, grab good eats, and soak in the experience a little more comfortably. I’m also excited that many of our marketplace vendors are returning for their second year, and we’ve added new ones as well. We’re expecting more than 30 vendors and food trucks this time around, so it’s going to be a great night to come out and celebrate together.”
Performers, vendors and food trucks confirmed at the time of this release are listed below.
Performers:
- T-Motion Dance Studio
- David CarMichael and the CarMichael Singers
- Cast of Greenville Theatre’s “Sister Act”
- DJ Rome
- The Night Affair Band – headliner
Market vendors:
- The Nutty Bavarian
- Sweet Delights by Denise
- Oh You Beautiful Cosmetics
- Upstate Chillers Lemonade LLC
- Essence of Oya
- Soulful Beginnings LLC
- Inspiredbygaddy3LLC
- All That I Am
- Favor Fragrances
- Tree of Eternal Life
- Michelle Boutique
- Adams Apothecary
- Hey Suga Healing Hands, LLC
- Bookworm University
- Yetta’s Blingz and Thingz
- The Source Unlimited feat: Why Knot? Kouture, Goddess Wraps by Jensine, Wine & Design Greenville
- Birdhouses By Design
- Designs by Dagg
- Wholistic Living
Food trucks:
- Todd’s Smokey BBQ
- Growler Haus providing beer and wine
The historical component of the celebration will include an interactive Kid’s Zone and youth financial literacy training provided by Regions Bank. There will also be a history of all-Black volunteer firefighter companies, a history of Reedy River Missionary Baptist Church and notable local leaders, and the Urban League of the Upstate Traveling Black History Exhibition.
“Last year’s celebration set the tone for something special in Mauldin, and this year we’re building on that foundation,” said Council Member and Mayor Pro Tempore Taft Matney, who will deliver welcome remarks at the event. “Juneteenth is not just a moment in history. It’s a legacy of freedom, resilience, and community. I’m proud that Mauldin continues to embrace this event as we come together to reflect, honor, and celebrate our Black community.”
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the outdoor performances, and leashed dogs are allowed.
Outside food and beverages, smoking, tents, weapons, bikes, scooters and skateboards are prohibited. In the event of inclement weather, all weather-related announcements will be made via the Mauldin Cultural Center’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
Direct Auto Insurance is a supporting sponsor of the event.
For more information, please visit https://mauldinculturalcenter.org/events/festival-season/juneteenth-a-cultural-celebration.