Front Royal’s Juneteenth Celebration Returns for Third Year of Music, Food, and Community

Front Royal’s Juneteenth Community Celebration will return this year with a full day of music, entertainment, food, education, and fellowship as organizers prepare for the third annual event.

Members of the Juneteenth Committee — Gene Kilby, Rebecca Altizer, and Yodi Baltimore — recently shared details about this year’s celebration and the importance of continuing to bring the community together around the holiday.

The event will take place on June 19 at the gazebo area in downtown Front Royal and will feature live music, food vendors, speakers, community organizations, cultural presentations, and family activities throughout the day.

“This year is very special to us because number one, it’s the third year,” Kilby said during the interview.

Organizers said the first two events were well attended, despite weather challenges last year, and they expect another strong turnout this summer.

The celebration will include performances from local musicians and entertainers, including the return of the group Chosen and comedian Howard Gaskins, who will serve as emcee while performing his “Grandma G” comedy character.

Visitors can also expect a wide variety of vendors offering food, jewelry, clothing, health information, and community resources. Kilby joked during the interview that food is always one of the biggest attractions.

In addition to entertainment, organizers said education remains an important part of the Juneteenth celebration.

This year, Altizer, along with Tanai Banks-Roy, will help present a tribute to poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou, highlighting her life story and sharing selections from her poetry.

“The more I got into her story and how she’s evolved and the wonderful things she’s done over the years, it’s really remarkable,” Altizer said.

The event will also feature a returning hair fashion showcase presented by Roman’s Hair Empire and Beauty Academy, featuring historical hairstyles paired with music from different decades.

Committee members emphasized that the event is designed as a true community celebration, welcoming everyone.

“That’s why we call this Juneteenth a Community Celebration,” Kilby said. “We want all people to come out and celebrate the freedom of our ancestors.”

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally learned they were free — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued.

Rebecca Altizer noted that many people outside Texas only learned about Juneteenth in recent years as celebrations spread nationwide.

Organizers said the celebration will run from noon until 7 p.m., and guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and spend the day enjoying music, food, and fellowship.

In addition to serving as a community event, Juneteenth merchandise sales and T-shirt fundraising help support future celebrations and programming.

Kilby said the committee’s goal remains simple: create a welcoming event with “something for everybody.”

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