Where Them Fans At? At the Juneteenth Elders’ Griot Village, of course!

by Betty Jean Grant

Betty Jean Grant

I know most of you got tired of people popping those fans last year. Well, if you did, then you are going to get tired of hearing them again this year, because the Juneteenth Griot Village Tent at Dr. MLK Park will be hosting a Fan Popping competition! All persons can apply to compete, male or female. Now, before you start to snicker, some of the best fan poppers I have seen and heard, have been males. Great prizes will be given away, too, to the best or loudest fan poppers.

The Elders’ Griot Village Tent will be next to the music stage, which is managed by Ms. Louise Clyburn. We provide senior citizens, 62 over, with a shaded environment and free food, consisting of fruits and vegetables and water. The tent also gives the seniors a nice spot where they can sit or stand to watch the fantastic Juneteenth Parade. The Parade kicks off at Genesee and Moselle St. around 10 AM.

This writer is the proud co-founder of the Elders’ Griot Village Tent along with our current Juneteenth Festival board president, Ms. Carrone Evon Crump. There will be many activities for our older populace to do and enjoy on our special national holiday so come join us regardless of your age because Juneteenth was created by us and for us.

The Juneteenth holiday celebration started with a 50th Anniversary Gala, June 5th at the Classic V Banquet Hall in Amherst, NY. The Flag Raising of the Red, Black and Green, will be Monday, June 8th at Noon in Niagara Square. The Juneteenth Festival is June 13th and June 14th in Dr. MLK Park. I hope to see you there!