Juneteenth celebrations took place all over Bastrop County this past weekend, featuring plenty of fun activities, music and fellowship among the communities. Juneteenth is a holiday celebrating the effects of the Emancipation Proclamation reaching Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865, finally freeing slaves in Texas over two years after the proclamation was first issued. The day became an important day of celebration of freedom, especially for African-American Texans, and has recently become a federal holiday. In Smithville, the festivities in MLK Park began with a parade, followed by activities, speakers, food and games throughout the day and concluding with a street dance ...