On Monday, June 20, you might be surprised to find that many public offices–and the Bluffton Public Library–are closed for Juneteenth. This is a new federal holiday, created on June 17, 2021.

The name is short for “June Nineteenth,” the day in 1865 when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to ensure the freeing of enslaved people. In 1979, Texas made Juneteenth an official holiday, becoming the first state to do so.

Looking for ways to explore and celebrate Juneteenth? Here are some events in our region and nearby:

• Juneteenth Festival, 12:00-6:00 p.m. on June 18 in downtown Lima; a program of Council for the Arts of Greater Lima.
• Juneteenth Celebration, 2 p.m. on June 20 at the Black Heritage Library, 817 Harmon St, Findlay. Music, food, fun and games.
• Juneteenth Walk & Celebration in Troy on June 18
• Wilberforce to Yellow Springs: Juneteenth Walk 2022 on June 19
• Juneteenth/Father's Day Concert at Toledo Museum of Art on June 19