DOTHAN, Ala. — The Wiregrass community is invited to gather in downtown Dothan this weekend as Tri State Expo Juneteenth Affairs, Inc. hosts its annual Juneteenth Parade and Celebration on Saturday, June 6.
The free event will take place rain or shine from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. and will feature a parade, live entertainment, cultural performances, vendors, food trucks and family-friendly activities.
“This year’s Juneteenth Celebration is on the road to our nation’s 250th Anniversary,” said Founder and Executive Director Evangeline Reynolds Gunn. “We are excited to kick off emancipation celebration events across the Wiregrass while reflecting on what it truly means to be free.”
The celebration begins with the annual Juneteenth Parade at 10 a.m. The parade route will travel down Foster Street, turn onto Troy Street and conclude on St. Andrews Street near the Dothan Civic Center parking lot.
Leading this year’s parade will be two individuals recognized for their contributions to the community and their advocacy for human and civil rights. Community leader Mary Hayes will serve as the 2026 Grand Marshal, while Lilly Gordon-Flowers, executive director of The Exchange Center, has been named the 2026 Gamba, or Community Warrior.
Following the parade, activities will move to Porter Park and the Dothan Civic Center area, where attendees can enjoy music, cultural presentations and community fellowship.
Entertainment will include music provided by DJ of Good Times Entertainment and performances by The Freedom Singers, featuring original Civil Rights Movement Freedom Singer Miss Rutha Mae Harris. Organizers have also scheduled a traditional African dance and musical performance by Atlanta-based Djoli Kelen.
A special highlight of this year’s celebration will be an appearance by actor Sean Freeman, known for his role on the television series “Beyond the Gates.” Freeman is scheduled to participate in a fan meet-and-greet during the event.
“Coming home and giving this opportunity to my fans is a dream,” Freeman said. “This is for y’all, so bring your favorite fan material and prepare for an epic day!”
Organizers said visitors will also find an indoor marketplace inside the Dothan Civic Center featuring local vendors and small businesses. Several food trucks will be on site serving a variety of options, including Caribbean cuisine, burgers and other festival favorites.
Families attending the event can also visit the Children’s Art Corner, where free hands-on activities, including Juneteenth bracelet-making, will be available throughout the day.
TSEJA officials said they are expecting visitors from across the Wiregrass and beyond. Attendees are reminded that the Dothan Civic Center’s clear bag policy will be enforced during the event.
Admission is free.
Additional information, entertainment schedules and event updates can be found on the Tri State Expo Juneteenth Affairs Facebook page and the organization’s website.
