The celebration of Juneteenth in Natchitoches did not end with Friday’s Parade. Saturday, June 20 saw a fun day of celebration, basketball and concerts. The fun began at the MLK Recreation Center with a basketball tournament that showed the NSU football team’s skills are not confined to the gridiron as they successfully battled Team 1865. Other matchups pitted the Natchitoches Police Department against the Sheriff’s department, a celebrity game and a hotly contested duel between NCHS and Lakeview alumni. The NCHS cheerleaders and Glam Dolls dance troupe provided entertainment between games.

Saturday evening saw the downtown riverbank packed to capacity for a free Juneteenth concert and fireworks show. The show featured DJ Royal, Tipsey the Band and J Paul as well as a kid’s zone, food trucks, and vendors. The evening culminated in a fireworks show that delighted one and all.