With the change of venue for Danville’s annual Juneteenth celebration ending up at Ellsworth Park due to recent storms, come Saturday afternoon the whole thing just seemed to be “as planned.” As state rep candidate Mary Catherine Roberson pointed out to CIMG, everything was cooking except for the temperatures. It was quite comfortable out there.
AUDIO: It’s going well. It’s a beautiful day. It’s not too hot. We’ve got a DJ, bounce houses; I think it’s a perfect space for us.
Agreeing with that was DHS grad from a couple years back Curtis Beasley IV; who gave CIMG an overall picture.
AUDIO: A lot of different vendors and tents. I also see a lot of very good food spots, local spots; Danville’s very owns. I’m glad for them to be out here and have a chance, not just to make some money, but to engage with the community, and share community through food. The kids are having fun; I’ve been able to talk to people I haven’t seen in a while. So it’s going great.
In one particular tent, we found two elected officials just enjoying the scenery: Jerry Hawker from the Vermilion County Board, and Ed Butler from the Danville City Council.
AUDIO: (Hawker) Love all the people and the kids, especially the kids out here; having the jump houses and some really great food. It’s just a great day; and shows some unity for the community. (Butler) We’re just having a good time out there. And everybody so peaceful, and laughing, and hugging and embracing each other just because; this is a day. People just coming together; I don’t care if they’re black, white. Everybody is unified right here. It’s very much diverse.
Juneteenth activities were scheduled to continue on Sunday in Ellsworth Park as well, 11 AM to 6 PM.
