Winslow fellowship at an early Juneteenth

Crowds gathered at New Brooklyn Park in Sicklerville on June 13 to celebrate a pre-Juneteenth event.

Winslow Township residents found menu items offered by food trucks, while children played in a bounce house and music echoed throughout the park. Vendors sold culturally inspired items.

In the distance, a small crowd surrounded the stage, and a few attendees sang along with the performers, while others stood in quiet appreciation.

Although the official date for the holiday is June 19, communities in South Jersey honor the holiday with activities and events throughout the month to commemorate the anniversary of freedom for enslaved African Americans.

Mayor Marie Lawrence and committeemen Darius Peoples and Brandon Glikas were on hand at the park. Lawrence shared her thoughts about the community coming together to celebrate Juneteenth.

“The weather is beautiful,” she said. “The people are beautiful. It’s a beautiful event. The community is out relaxing, enjoying themselves and fellowshiping with one another.”

Christ Care Unit Missionary Baptist Church was among the vendors at the event. Deacon Fred Brown offered his perspective on how his church was participating in the day’s festivities.

“We set up here to celebrate Juneteenth with the community,” he explained. “We’re handing out tracts about learning more about the word of God, fellowshipping with one another and being kind to your neighbor.”

The next event at New Brooklyn Park will be Painting in the Park on Wednesday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. It will be repeated at the West Atco Civic Association Center on Wednesday, July 8, and at Frank Donio Memorial Park on Wednesday, July 22. Times for both are also from 6 to 7:30 p.m.