City of Mauldin hosting 1st Juneteenth celebration Saturday [Video]

MAULDIN S.C. (FOX Carolina) – It’s been a year in the making—the city of Mauldin is holding its first Juneteenth  celebration tomorrow at the Mauldin Cultural Center.

“The city of Mauldin had plans to celebrate and honor Juneteenth, but they also wanted it to reflect the community- that’s where people like myself came in,” said April Evans the event MC and planning committee leader.

The idea for this celebration came after Mauldin City council declared Juneteenth an official holiday last November. They established a steering committee of community leaders like Evans to make it happen.

“They connected with us, and we wanted to make sure this Juneteenth celebration reflected the historic Juneteenth celebrations of earlier years,” she said.

At Saturday’s event, expert food trucks, more than 35 local vendors, choir and dance performances, 90′s music and local history.

“Like what was the first Black congregation in Mauldin? Bet you don’t know– but you will find out. We’re going to …