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It’s been two years since President Joe Biden singed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law, and area residents celebrated the holiday Saturday with a special gathering at Old Cowan Road Park in Winchester.

Juneteenth is an important commemorative holiday to recognize and celebrate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States.

The holiday has its roots in Texas which is a significant distance from Appomattox County, Virginia, where papers were signed to end the Civil War on April 9, 1865.

Word traveled slow a century and a half ago, and it was nearly 10 weeks later when slaves in Texas were officially freed on June 19, 1865.

The Winchester community celebrated Juneteenth from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday.

The event was sponsored by the Old Cowan Road Youth.

Organization member AJ Holman spoke passionately on the importance of keeping the celebration alive for the community.

“This is important and has to keep going,” said Holman, who had a major role in the event’s planning.

He mentioned that the Old Cowan Road Youth are all local residents who take pride in their community.

The sunny, summer weather was perfect for the outdoor event which offered free activities for children, including a blow-up bounce house, a waterslide, popsicles and a Kidz Zone packed with crafts and goodie bags.

Food vendors were set up with a wide variety of items, including burgers, hot dogs, fried fish, fried chicken, sweets and snow cones.

Craft, clothing and accessory booths were also available to those who desired to shop. A cash-prize drawing was also held.

Informative booths were also featured, including organizations such as the Franklin County chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the Cumberland Center for Justice and Peace.