06/20/2026
JUNE DINNER
📍 Wilmar, AR
Most people call it Juneteenth, but where I’m from, we call it June Dinner.
Since I was a little girl, and long before my time June Dinner has been a BIG deal. My mama used to take us shopping for new outfits because June Dinner wasn’t just an event, it was THE event! People come from all over the country just to come back home and celebrate.
From the pageants, bonfires, blues night, parade, car show, motorcycle burnouts, food vendors, snow cones, talent shows, and just hanging out in the field with our people, it was always the most exciting time of the year.
As kids, a lot of us celebrated before we truly understood the meaning behind it. Now that we’re older, we understand that June Dinner is about so much more than having fun. It’s about celebrating freedom, honoring our ancestors, and remembering the sacrifices that made it possible for us to be where we are today.
What makes it even more special is that June Dinner is one of the oldest Juneteenth celebrations in Arkansas. Think about that. A small town like Wilmar, with only a few hundred people, has been keeping this tradition alive for generations.
I’m proud of June Dinner. I’m proud of Wilmar. And I’m thankful that for over 25 years I’ve been able to be part of something so beautiful.
Now that I’m grown, I STILL look forward to coming home for June Dinner every year! ❤️ It’s a tradition that will forever hold a special place in my heart.
You can catch me in the parade today handing out water and juices, so be sure to wave if you see me! 😊
Happy June Dinner, Wilmar!🖤❤️💛💚
