Another great Juneteenth celebration at the CARVER 2012

Another great Juneteenth celebration at the CARVER, 2012

Once again the Carver staff pulled off a great Juneteenth Celebration. It really felt more then ever like attending  a traditional neighborhood party. 

Everyone felt a certain comfort level, even among strangers. It's often feels that way when people gather for a common cause. 

At it's core, among its many its missions, The Carver's purposes to frostier a sense of community. That's not easily achieved at a time when the community it was created to serve has moved on.

Through it's annual Juneteenth celebrations the Carver can play host again to its extended family.

Visitors of all ages enjoyed music, games, cultural activities and  historic recreations. Games included sack races, ball toss tug of war and hula hoops. The younger kids attended puppet shows and other entertaining activities. Older kids competed in the the more competitive activities.  All participants received tickets for each game and redeemed them for fun prizes. Everybody wins! 

Locally made arts & crafts were proudly on view. Together with great vendors, who happily participated, the Carver staff created a one day "Village Bazaar". 

Some booths sold afro-centric arts and crafts, while others offered more recent African American fashion statements. Of course, we had our especially designed 2012 tee-shirt available. Volunteers handed out free magical blue drinking cups, that changed color to purple with cold lemonade inside. To better cool off on a sunny Austin afternoon, what's better then free watermelon available for everyone.

For this year's history recreation, our official "Buffalo Soldier", Rouzan Barton, spoke to all comers about the life and skills of these rugged frontiersmen. 

The George Washington Carver Museum & Cultural Center prides itself on being one of Nation's foremost advocate for recognizing and celebrating this important event. The museum's permanent exhibit has been instrumental in promoting this once Texas festivity into a nationally celebrated event marking the great emancipation,