Event sees record turnout as community honors freedom, culture, and heritage
IRMO – Moore Park was alive with energy, music, and celebration on Wednesday, June 19, as the Town of Irmo and the African American Historical Society of Irmo hosted the 5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration. Drawing thousands of attendees, this year’s event marked the largest in its history.
From 6 to 9 p.m., visitors enjoyed a vibrant mix of activities including live R&B music, spoken word poetry, dance performances, art displays, and a wide variety of vendors and food trucks serving everything from soul food to smoothies. Families filled the park with lawn chairs and picnic blankets, celebrating freedom and culture together in a festive atmosphere.
Juneteenth, also known as Liberation Day, commemorates the emancipation of the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas in 1865—more than two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
The Irmo event not only celebrated this historical milestone but also recognized local African American pioneers whose contributions have shaped the community, state, and nation.
Originally launched during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Irmo’s first Juneteenth observance featured a proclamation by then-Mayor Barry Walker declaring June 19 a local holiday. Since then, the annual gathering has grown into one of the town’s most anticipated cultural celebrations.
“This was more than a festival,” said one attendee. “It was a powerful reminder of our history and a joyful celebration of how far we’ve come.”
Plans are already underway to make next year’s celebration even bigger.
