MONTICELLO, NY — Marchers in the county’s second annual Juneteenth parade enjoyed mild sunny weather on June 19. The federal and state holiday, called by some “Freedom Day,” marks a date in 1865 when some formerly enslaved people in Galveston, TX learned that they were full citizens, and that the institution of slavery was over. Through the course of the Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation—signed January 1, 1863—was kept a secret from some who continued to be enslaved.

Marchers included local officials and people from multiple municipalities, the library, police, EMS and human service agencies. 

Monday’s event ended at the Ted Stroebele Recreation Center on Jefferson Street, where neighbors and friends celebrated the day sharing information and enjoying refreshments donated by a host of local businesses.