This Saturday marks the first year in which Juneteenth will be celebrated as a state holiday.
Juneteenth
June 20, 2021
Aliyah Walker
Over 45 people gathered at the Narragansett House in Oak Bluffs Saturday to celebrate Juneteenth, and its new status as a federal holiday.
1996
July 9, 1996
Several hundred people attended special events this weekend in Oak Bluffs, reducing gridlock downtown and adding to the festive atmosphere.
And it all happened because of a chance meeting on Memorial Day at the Dragonfly art gallery in Oak Bluffs.
July 5, 1996
Oak Bluffs is the place to be for the Fourth of July weekend.
That’s always been the case, according to many residents, and now they have one more reason to think so.
This weekend, the community will conduct its First Annual Juneteenth Day of Independence, a Multicultural Celebration. Events include a beach concert Friday and a dance Saturday. Both nights will feature live music, plenty of food and several vats of non-alcoholic ginger beer.
And townspeople are predicting great success.
June 28, 1996
The Fourth of July weekend in Oak Bluffs was a big mess last year, everyone said.
There was too much traffic. An ambulance couldn’t get through a street crowded with people. There were clashes between cultures and, when people talked about the weekend later, blatant racism.
Bob Holland of Oak Bluffs stayed home, but he heard all about it. And he sees no reason why all these people shouldn’t enjoy Oak Bluffs on its biggest holiday weekend.
So this year, he will be there to help with other members of the new Martha’s Vineyard Million Man Association.
