Juneteenth Celebrations Begin with “Linen on the Lawn” Event

Oxford Gears Up for Juneteenth Festivities

Marking the onset of Juneteenth celebrations, the vibrant city of Oxford comes alive with a series of year-round revelries, commencing this Saturday. The festivities kick start with “Linen on the Lawn” – an annual community picnic, housed this year in the Old Armory Pavilion. A file photo from the 2023 event, captured by Susan Mah, reflects the lively atmosphere and communal participation that the event garners each year.

Linen on the Lawn: A Communal Fiesta

Linen on the Lawn forms a joyful melange of live music, food trucks, and a dance fiesta that is all set to light up the lawns around the pavilion. Community members are encouraged to bring along lawn chairs, blankets and their friends and family to enjoy this free event. Oxford Juneteenth’s inaugural occasion is scheduled to take place from 6pm to 9pm. In case of a packed parking lot at the Old Armory, visitors can park at the Oxford Skate Park and follow the pedestrian path leading to the pavilion.

In addition to the pulsating music and dynamic dance scene, the event also boasts a fantastic food truck lineup. Visitors can relish the serving from Soul 2 Soul Food Truck, Fresh Out of the Water, Southern Sweets, G&G’s Fry Co., Oxcsicles, and J&J BBQ. All food outlets are local, prepping the stage perfectly to promote and support local businesses.

A Sneak Peek into the Upcoming Juneteenth Events

Beyond Linen on the Lawn, the Juneteenth events continue to keep the enthusiasm alive. Here’s a tiny glimpse into what’s in store:

• A screening of the “Super Chikan” documentary at 7 PM at the Burns Belfry Multi-Cultural Center.
• The Oxford Juneteenth Celebration, beginning at 3 PM on June 14, at the Oxford Middle School parking lot. This feast will feature music, bounce houses for the kids, and an art and food vendor display for everyone to enjoy.

As the soul of Oxford brims with an infectious celebratory spirit, all community members are welcome and encouraged to become a part of these festivities and make memorable moments as the city commemorates Juneteenth with grandeur.