Sulphur Springs residents held a Juneteenth celebration Saturday with a parade, games, food and fellowship at Pacific Park in Sulphur Springs.
First thing Saturday morning, the 2022 Juneteenth Celebration kicked off with the 2nd Annual Run to Freedom Semi-2k Run was held for those
Juneteenth Parade 2022, Pacific Park, Sulphur Springs 
2022 Juneteenth Parade and Celebration, Pacific Park, Sulphur Springs 
2022 Juneteenth Parade and Celebration, Pacific Park, Sulphur Springs 
2022 Juneteenth Parade and Celebration, Pacific Park, Sulphur Springs 
2022 Juneteenth Parade and Celebration, Pacific Park, Sulphur Springs 
Things then transitioned to Morning Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, where people linked up their decorated vehicles and floats in readiness for the 11 a.m. Juneteenth Parade. The procession passed through the nearby neighborhood, passing then again passing by Pacific Park. Among the entries were winners from the June 11 Juneteenth Pageant, an antique car and ATVs, as well as those by churches, businesses, a child care facility, and individuals. Many tossed candy, beads and other items to children waiting eagerly along the street for these prizes as the parade passed their location
While everyone was busy running and enjoying the 2022 Juneteenth Parade, several community members were busy grilling food on big barbecue pits for everyone to enjoy. Others brought snacks, snow cones, popcorn and other items to share. Water was available to help those attending stay hydrated. Picnic tables offered seating for those who did not bring their own. A DJ played music from a stage set up in the middle of the park.
Some community members brought their own tents to offer shade from the triple digit temperature. A religious group was among those sporting games. A couple of tents held wares from local businesses. Columbia Lodge #81 offered tickets for chances to win the four-wheeler being raffled as a fundraiser for the charities, foster families and scholarships by the Help-A-Child Benefit the third Saturday in October (the 15th in 2022).
Children enjoyed the new playground equipment recently installed and running through the splash pad to stay cool at Pacific Park, both are part of a multiphase city improvement project at the park.
Many stayed late into the day playing games, catching up with friends and family, and even making a few new friends during the 2022 Juneteenth Celebration held at Pacific Park March 18.
