Juneteenth

Early Elgin event draws hundreds

Elgin Juneteenth Organization’s 25th annual celebration and parade may have arrived early of the holiday, but its community turnout and involvement were a remarkable demonstration of both Elgin and Texas culture.

The June 8 parade strolled down Main Street in front of a crowd of several hundred locals and visitors. Dozens of floats representing city organizations, clubs and personal performances drew constant applause, with DJ Reese Boi and TNT Academy’s Charles Wilson acting as the masters of ceremony.

Elgin Independent School District’s loud and proud marching band kicked off the festivities on the sunny Saturday morning.

“This is our future right here,” Wilson said.

The Elgin Juneteenth Organization, originally formed in 1999, has rewarded select Elgin High School graduates with scholarships since its inception.

Following the brass and drums was Mayor Theresa McShan, Elgin Hometown Heroes, the Greater Galilee youth praise group, a lineup of floats from downtown businesses, motorcycle clubs and an onslaught of souped up classic cars, many of which came from the greater Austin area.

A brief pause in the celebrations came when an ATV driver flipped over in his ride, but Chief of Police Chris Noble was quick to ensure the individual’s wellbeing and help the festivities carry on.

SLAB rides in a hydraulic 1938 Chevrolet Coupe were a crowd favorite, drawing gasps and hollers.

“Making that car bounce, this is what you call a SLAB ride here – slow, loud and bangin.’ This right here is a Texas culture thing, you got to love it,” Wilson added.

Attendees made it clear that the earlier date is preferred for the parade, allowing them to make time to visit other cities for their own Juneteenth gatherings.

Community members gathered at Veterans Memorial Park afterwards to enjoy food, music and conversation.

The Elgin Parks and Recreation Department utilized their cargo van and implemented their mobile rec program by bringing out the “extremely popular” big, blue blocks.

Festivities concluded with the presentation of the Juneteenth Organization’s Royal Court. King Bishop Mayes and Queen Betty Lofton stood by the young Carnell James, Serenity Samuel, Isaiah Barnes, Dani-Lynn Howard, Josiah Roberson and Savannah Lofton. Each child received $100 and gift cards from donating vendors.