Fayette MO Juneteenth Celebration

06/04/2026

Juneteenth Community Worship Service on the Square

Join us as we conclude the Fayette Juneteenth Celebration with a powerful time of worship, reflection, and community on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at 10:00 AM on the Howard County Courthouse Lawn in downtown Fayette, Missouri.

This year's worship service is inspired by the theme:

"Crossing the Bridge: The Journey to Freedom"
"And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan..." — Joshua 3:17

Just as God made a way for the Israelites to cross the Jordan River into a new season of promise, Juneteenth reminds us of a people who crossed from bo***ge into freedom through faith, perseverance, and God's sustaining grace. Our journey continues as we seek to build bridges of hope, justice, unity, and purpose for future generations.

We are honored to welcome Dr. Lester Woods, Jr., Pastor of Urban Empowerment Ministries in Columbia, Missouri, as our guest preacher. Dr. Woods is a dynamic pastor, educator, and community leader whose ministry has impacted lives throughout Missouri and beyond. His message will challenge and inspire us to embrace the freedom God has given and to walk boldly into the future He has prepared.

The service will feature uplifting music, prayer, scripture, and a community-wide celebration of faith and freedom. Everyone is welcome to attend regardless of church affiliation.

Bring your lawn chair, invite your family and friends, and join us as we gather to honor the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to a future filled with hope.

Juneteenth Community Worship Service
📅 Sunday, June 21, 2026
🕙 10:00 AM
📍 Howard County Courthouse Lawn, Downtown Fayette, Missouri
🎙 Guest Preacher: Dr. Lester Woods, Jr.
📖 Theme: "Crossing the Bridge: The Journey to Freedom" (Joshua 3:17)

Come worship with us as we celebrate faith, freedom, and the God who still leads His people across every bridge and through every season.

06/03/2026

Here is the final schedule for the Juneteenth Celebration four-day event. This will be a fabulous time as people come together in unity, love and faith!

05/28/2026

The Juneteenth Annual Car Show is June 20, 10 am to 2 pm. Four classes with no entry fee. Trophies will be awarded people’s choice in each class. If you wish to join in the parade the lineup location is on Spring Street at 8:15 am. Come and enjoy a great time! If questions contact Tim Jackman 573-289-3714 or Wade Monckton 660-728-3578.

05/25/2026

JUNETEENTH BBQ RIBS AND CHICKEN COOKOFF

Join us for a fun-filled and flavorful celebration as we honor Juneteenth with our community ribs and chicken cookoff! Participants can choose to do one or both meats for the competition. Every participant helps make a difference while bringing their best BBQ game to the grill.

Event Schedule
· Set-Up: Sunday, June 21, 2026 – SE Corner of Courthouse Square (at Main and Morrison Streets)
· Cook orientation session starts at 7:00 AM sharp
· Judging Begins: 11:00 AM sharp – No exceptions

Participation Guidelines - Ribs
• Each participant must cook four slabs of Ribs – Spareribs or Baby Back
• Slab must be cut into one or two bone pieces and a minimum of 4 in a box before submitted for judging
• The remaining slabs are for sharing and community enjoyment
• All ribs must be ready by 11:00 AM

Participation Guidelines - Chicken
• Each participant must cook enough Chicken to cut into four pieces
• Chicken must be sliced and a minimum of 4 in a box before submitted for judging
• The remaining chicken is for sharing and community enjoyment
• All chicken must be ready by 11:15 AM

Judging Process
• Independent judges will be identified prior to the event
• There will be an orientation for all judges prior to the start of the judging
• Judges should arrive at 9:45 AM for orientation

Scoring & Identification
• Judging is anonymous
• Judging criteria: Appearance, Taste, and Tenderness
• There will be a scoring method in the event of a tie

The Spirit of the Event
This cookoff is about community, culture, and contribution. While there will be one top winner, everyone wins by celebrating freedom and giving back.

Let us make this a day to remember with great food, great people, and a great cause.

Steve Curry, Competition Coordinator
[email protected]

05/25/2026

Saturday, June 20 – Parade

Always a highlight of the day with excitement and energy is the Juneteenth Parade. Lineup is on Spring Street at 8:15 a.m. with the kickoff to the parade at 9:00 a.m. Anyone is welcome to participate. A special entrance this year is the Elite Royal Lionettes, a dance group studio from Columbia, MO. The Lionettes feature two young age groups. They will perform during and immediately after the parade. A prize will be awarded to the best parade unit.

To participate in the annual parade, please contact Tim Jackman 573-289-3714 or show up lineup location on the day of the event.

05/25/2026

The second annual Juneteenth Banquet will be held Thursday, June 18, at the Inman Center on the 4th floor of Central Methodist University campus. The evening begins with a social hour 6:00 PM followed by the program and dinner at 6:30 PM. Guests will enjoy a fine dinner, entertainment, keynote address from Rev. Aaron Carter. We are grateful to the Presenting Sponsor, Commercial Trust Company, and other supporting sponsors. The program will include recognition of the Grand Marshals and a special tribute that evening. Tickets are $15 per person and must be purchased in advance or you can RSVP any committee member listed below no later than June 17. Youth age 10 and under are free.

Committee Members: Kim Ashcraft, Tara Bush, Monique Chapman, Shelia Chapman, Rev. Fatima Garikayi, Curtis Jackman, Sherry Jackman, Tim Jackman, Myra Kelly, Lue Lockridge-Lane, Lauraetta Lockridge, Allene Logan, Rev. Bill O’Neal, Christie Patrick, Mary Petty, Regina Powell, and Rev. Charlie Wright.

05/23/2026

05/23/2026

The Juneteenth Celebration Committee, in partnership with St. Paul United Methodist Church and other local organizations, are excited and proud to host the 26th annual Juneteenth Celebration in Fayette, Missouri. The event, taking place June 18–21, marks a major milestone for the local community and highlights a significant chapter in American history.

Joshua 3:17 reminds us that God makes a way where there seems to be no way. Our Juneteenth theme, ‘Crossing the Bridge: The Journey to Freedom,’ honors the courage and perseverance of those who crossed from bo***ge toward liberty and challenges us to continue building bridges for future generations.”

A Historic Milestone
This year also marks the 161st anniversary of Juneteenth — June 19, 1865 — when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to inform the last remaining enslaved African Americans of their freedom. That moment continues to be a symbol of delayed justice and the power of resilience, remembrance, and community.

Four Days of Celebration and Reflection
This year, the Fayette celebration is four days and includes a range of educational, cultural, and family-friendly events for all ages, as we celebrate diversity among all of God’s children. The community is invited to attend and take part in this meaningful and festive occasion.

Thursday, June 18 – Juneteenth Banquet at Central Methodist University
On Thursday, the second annual Juneteenth Banquet will be held at the Inman Center on the 4th floor of Central Methodist University campus. The evening begins with a social hour 6:00 PM followed by the program and dinner at 6:30 PM. Guests will enjoy a fine dinner, entertainment, keynote address from Rev. Aaron Carter. We are grateful to the Presenting Sponsor, Commercial Trust Company, and other supporting sponsors. The program will include recognition of the Grand Marshals and a special tribute that evening. Tickets are $15 per person and must be purchased in advance or you can RSVP any committee member listed below no later than June 13. Youth age 10 and under are free.

Committee Members: Kim Ashcraft, Tara Bush, Monique Chapman, Shelia Chapman, Rev. Fatima Garikayi, Curtis Jackman, Sherry Jackman, Tim Jackman, Myra Kelly, Lue Lockridge-Lane, Lauraetta Lockridge, Allene Logan, Rev. Bill O’Neal, Christie Patrick, Mary Petty, Regina Powell, and Rev. Charlie Wright.

Friday, June 19 – Music on the Square and Youth Activities
Friday night brings the annual Juneteenth music fest; a joyful evening of spiritual music and fellowship held on the Howard County Courthouse lawn at 6:30 p.m. Derek Enyard Band will provide a variety of live music. In addition to musical performances, the event will feature food vendors and games for youth, making it an uplifting gathering for the entire family.

Saturday, June 20 – Parade, Vendor Booths, Car Show, Youth Activities, Food, and Fireworks
Saturday’s activities will begin with a free continental breakfast served at 7:30 a.m., followed by the Juneteenth Parade at 9:00 a.m., with lineup on Spring Street at 8:15. Anyone is welcome to participate. The day continues with an official opening ceremony at 10:00 a.m. and a classic car show.

Vendor booths including Kid’s Market, poster contest where the public has an opportunity to weigh in, a scavenger hunt, various games and activities for youth and adults will take place throughout the day. There is no fee for vendor booths. One highlight is the always-popular, fun live auction, where attendees can bid on items and score great deals. The Gaines Food Court will be there under the big tent. The festive day will conclude with a fireworks display at Paige-Liberty Park starting at 9:00 p.m.

Sunday, June 21 – Worship and Barbecue Cook-Off
The final day of celebration begins Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m. with a community worship service on the courthouse lawn. The service is open to all and will bring people together in a spirit of unity and thanksgiving. Bishop Lester Woods, Urban Empowerment Ministries, Columbia, MO, will be the guest speaker. Special music will be performed by his choir.

Following worship, the community is invited to a mouth-watering barbecue cook-off competition. Steve Curry, professional cookoff competition champion is event coordinator [email protected]. Ribs and chicken will be part of the judging, and served free of charge along with a variety of side dishes will also be served. Whether you are competing, sampling, or simply enjoying the company, it is sure to be a delicious and satisfying conclusion to the week.

This is a family friendly event and all events are open to the public, and everyone is welcome. For more information, follow the Fayette Advertiser or our page: Fayette MO Juneteenth Celebration or contact the following Juneteenth Celebration coordinators - Tim Jackman 573-289-3714, Rev. Fatima Garikayi 660-728-0754, or Lue Lockridge-Lane 660-573-2156.

05/20/2026

Fayette Juneteenth Celebration is just 30 days away and the committee is excited to bring the four-day event to the community June 18-21. “Crossing the Bridge: The Journey to Freedom” is the theme. Here is a Schedule of Events. More information to follow so stay tune to the Fayette MO Juneteenth Celebration FB page or local newspaper. If you would like to inquire or participate in any of the activities contact information is included.

07/09/2025

As part of the Fayette Juneteenth celebration, the offering from the June 22 Sunday community worship service was donated to the Fayette Senior Center. This gift reflects the Committee’s heartfelt appreciation and commitment to giving back to a community that has shown unwavering support throughout the years. Here is a photo of the presentation of a check in the amount $1352.42 to Jennifer Barnhill, Center Administrator. Present from the committee were Tim Jackman, Shelia Chapman and Regina Powell. Photo courtesy of Justin Addison, The Fayette Advertiser.