Ƶhlie Bailey, of Wheelersburg, Ohio, dances with her children Ellie, 7, and Mia, 2, as Ohio University Southern and Ironton conduct the inaugural Culture & Heritage Festival on June 17, 2023, in Ironton.
ABOVE: Faith Fountain, of Ƶhland, left, and Robin Nash, of Huntington, dance as Honey Dipped performs during the inaugural Culture & Heritage Festival on Saturday in Ironton. RIGHT: Sayyid JiƵeong, 6, of Ƶhland, works on making crafts from Third and Center as Ohio University Southern and Ironton conduct the inaugural Culture & Heritage Festival on Saturday in Ironton.
Sayyid JiƵeong, 6, of Ƶhland, works on making crafts from Third and Center as Ohio University Southern and Ironton conduct the inaugural Culture & Heritage Festival on Saturday, June 17, 2023, in Ironton.
Ƶhlie Bailey, of Wheelersburg, Ohio, dances with her children Ellie, 7, and Mia, 2, as Ohio University Southern and Ironton conduct the inaugural Culture & Heritage Festival on June 17, 2023, in Ironton.
ABOVE: Faith Fountain, of Ƶhland, left, and Robin Nash, of Huntington, dance as Honey Dipped performs during the inaugural Culture & Heritage Festival on Saturday in Ironton. RIGHT: Sayyid JiƵeong, 6, of Ƶhland, works on making crafts from Third and Center as Ohio University Southern and Ironton conduct the inaugural Culture & Heritage Festival on Saturday in Ironton.
Sayyid JiƵeong, 6, of Ƶhland, works on making crafts from Third and Center as Ohio University Southern and Ironton conduct the inaugural Culture & Heritage Festival on Saturday, June 17, 2023, in Ironton.
IRONTON Ƶ Ohio University Southern will host its third annual Culture & Heritage Festival on Saturday, June 14, inviting the community to come together in celebration of the regionƵs history, creativity and cultural diversity.
The festival, held in the Shafer Courtyard, serves as a lead-up to Juneteenth and offers a full afternoon of music, art and community connection, according to an OUS news release announcing the event.
ƵThe Culture and Heritage Festival is a way to bring the community together to celebrate the history and cultures that make up this Appalachian region,Ƶ Robert Pleasant, director of student services, said in the release. ƵItƵs not just a day of entertainment Ƶ itƵs an opportunity to reflect on our shared history and create meaningful connections that strengthen our community.Ƶ
The festival begins at 11:45 a.m. with an opening ceremony featuring remarks from campus leaders and a musical tribute by Portsmouth High School Band Director Tony McKrimmon, who will perform the National Anthem and ƵLift Every Voice and Sing.Ƶ Musical acts throughout the day will include Ironton-based band WhatƵs Up Betsy, Kentucky singer-songwriter Shelby Lore, and CharlestonƵs 4YLP, whose blend of pop, funk and R&B will close out the stage performances, the release states.
More than a dozen local and regional vendors will take part, selling handmade crafts, cultural art, wellness items and more. Among them are Double Luck Herbothecary & Fermatory, Brown Butterfly Books, and Appalachian Barrel & Wood Crafts.
ChildrenƵs activities will be provided by Third and Center, an Ironton-based nonprofit arts organization.
ƵThis family-friendly event is free and open to the public, welcoming all to explore the creative offerings from local history displays, music, Kids Zone activities, food trucks and the many other vendors selling goods,Ƶ Pleasant said in the release.
In addition to celebrating culture and creativity, the event offers a space for education and reflection, the release states. Juneteenth, observed annually on June 19, marks the day in 1865 when news of emancipation reached the last enslaved people in Galveston Bay, Texas, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect. While Juneteenth has long been honored in the African American community, its history is still unfamiliar to many. Since officially recognizing the holiday in 2021, Ohio University has expanded its commitment to hosting programs that deepen public understanding of this important moment in American history.
ƵThe festival not only provides entertainment but also highlights our regionƵs story, one shaped by resilience, freedom, and shared heritage,Ƶ Pleasant said in the release. ƵWe hope people leave feeling inspired, more connected, and proud of where theyƵre from.Ƶ
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