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Juneteenth Is Our Country’s Second Independence Day

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2 years ago

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On the evening of January 1, 1863, enslaved and free African Americans gathered in churches and private homes all across the country awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect. At the stroke of midnight, prayers were answered and all enslaved people in Confederate States were declared legally free. Union soldiers, many of whom were black, marched onto plantations and across cities in the south reading small copies of the Emancipation Proclamation spreading the news of freedom in Confederate States. The Thirteenth Amendment ended slavery throughout the United States.

But not everyone in Confederate territory would immediately be free. Even though the Emancipation Proclamation was made effective in 1863, it could not be implemented in places still under Confederate control. As a result, in the westernmost Confederate state of Texas, enslaved people would not be free until much later. Freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state, were free by executive decree. 

Juneteenth is our country’s second independence day. This occasion has been celebrated by African American communities for over 150 years. Yet some Americans are not aware of this monumental event. On June 17, 2021 a bill was signed making Juneteenth the 11th American federal holiday. Juneteenth is celebrated every year on June 19th. 

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Events

Free Nyack Urban Sketchers Meetup Set for Sept. 8

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4 weeks ago

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August 26, 2026

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The Nyack Urban Sketchers will hold their monthly meetup on Tuesday, Sept. 8, at the Nyack Library’s Creative Lab.

The free gathering will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. and offers participants an opportunity to come together and practice urban sketching in a creative, community setting.

The meetup is open to those interested in sketching and drawing, whether they are longtime urban sketchers or simply looking for a creative activity.

Event Details
Date: Tuesday, Sept. 8
Time: 2–5 p.m.
Location: Nyack Library, Creative Lab
Cost: Free

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Events

Italian Feast & Carnival Returns to Tappan Sept. 10–13, 2026

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2 months ago

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August 7, 2026

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One of the Hudson Valley’s largest celebrations of Italian heritage is set to return this September as the annual Italian Feast & Carnival takes over Masonic Park Fairgrounds in Tappan.

The four-day event will be held September 10–13, 2026, at Masonic Park Fairgrounds, 89 Western Highway, Tappan, conveniently located near the Palisades Parkway, Exit 5 South.

Organizers describe the festival as the largest cultural event in Rockland and Westchester counties, featuring authentic Italian food, carnival rides, games, family-friendly activities, and free live entertainment throughout the weekend.

The festival schedule includes:

  • Thursday, Sept. 10: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Friday, Sept. 11: 5 p.m. to Midnight
  • Saturday, Sept. 12: Noon to Midnight
  • Sunday, Sept. 13: Noon to 9 p.m., with an Outdoor Mass at 10 a.m.

Guests can also enjoy a casino, a Super 50/50 Grand Prize Raffle, and a variety of attractions for all ages.

Admission is $10 per person, and free parking will be available on-site.

Festival organizers remind attendees that outside food and beverages, coolers, backpacks, and pets are not permitted on the grounds.

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