The City of Natchitoches will host its 5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration on June 19-20, featuring a parade, basketball tournament, live entertainment, family activities, and a fireworks display over Cane River Lake.
The celebration begins Friday, June 19, with the annual Juneteenth Parade. Participants will line up at Ben Johnson Park beginning at 5 p.m., and the parade will roll through the city at 6 p.m. This year’s Grand Marshal is Felicia Shantel Hardison, a Natchitoches native and owner of Shantel Hardison Sports Center.
Activities continue Saturday, June 20, with the Juneteenth Basketball Showdown from 9 a.m. to noon at the MLK Recreation Center. The event will include a celebrity basketball game hosted by Ronnie Williams Jr., entertainment by The Glam Dolls, music from DJ Royal, and several featured matchups, including Sheriff vs. Police, Northwestern Demons vs. Team 1865, and NCHS vs. Lakeview Alumni.
The celebration concludes Saturday evening with the 5th Annual Natchitoches Juneteenth Festival from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the downtown Riverbank. The free event will feature live music, food vendors, children’s activities, a carnival, community exhibits, local businesses, and a fireworks show over Cane River Lake at 10 p.m.
Entertainment will include performances by J. Paul, Tipsey the Band, and DJ Royal.
In the event of inclement weather, festival activities will be moved to the Natchitoches Events Center. Updates will be provided through the City’s website and social media channels.
For more information, residents can contact the City of Natchitoches at (318) 352-2772.
Event Schedule
Friday, June 19
- 5 p.m. – Juneteenth Parade Lineup (Ben Johnson Park)
- 6 p.m. – Juneteenth Parade
- Grand Marshal: Felicia Shantel Hardison
Saturday, June 20
- 9 a.m. – Noon – Juneteenth Basketball Showdown (MLK Recreation Center)
- 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. – Juneteenth Festival (Downtown Riverbank)
- Live Music
- Carnival
- Food Vendors
- Kids Activities
- Fireworks Finale at 10 p.m.
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