Press release from Buncombe County government:
On Friday, June 18, Buncombe County offices will be closed for Juneteenth (also known as Emancipation Day, Jubilee Day and other names). We are excited to announce this additional holiday that Commissioners recently approved, as it provides reverence to an historic day. In addition, pausing for the holiday will help raise awareness about the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.
Formally recognizing Juneteenth is also a major step in acknowledging diversity and inclusion gaps we are actively seeking to address. Equity is one of Buncombe County’s primary core values, and our Equity and Inclusion workgroup supports the addition of the Juneteenth holiday
Moving forward, the County will honor Juneteenth on the Friday that falls on or before June 19.
Learn more here. Please see additional information on services below.
Solid Waste
Solid Waste administrative offices will be closed on Friday, June 18. Landfill and transfer station are open regular hours on Friday, June 18 and will be closed in observance of the holiday on Saturday, June 19.
Buncombe County Public Libraries
All Buncombe County libraries will be closed Friday and Saturday, June 18 and 19. Libraries will be closed Sunday and Monday, per their normal schedule. The public is invited to join Buncombe County Special Collections for the Carolina Record Shop grand opening on Thursday, June 17, 5-7 p.m., in the lower level at Pack Memorial Library. Learn more here.
After the Carolina Record Shop grand opening, head over the third and final installment of the Information Sharing and Truth Telling Speakers Series at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium.
Recreation Services
Administrative offices will be closed Friday, June 18. Parks and pools are open regular hours.
Health and Human Services
Administrative offices will be closed on Friday, June 18.
Emergency Services
EMS and 911 services remain open. Emergency services administrative office will be closed Friday, June 18.
Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office
Administrative offices are closed. Patrol, detention and courts are operating as usual.
How can I get involved on Juneteenth?
Buncombe County is excited and proud to sponsor this year’s Grindfest. The three-day Juneteenth event aims to bring people together while highlighting the progress made by people of color and connecting people across cultures. Honoring the 100-year anniversary of the Tulsa race massacre, this year’s theme of Black Wall Street celebrates local Black businesses and entrepreneurs.
Grindfest runs June 18-20 and features poetry, a marketplace, multiple performances and culminates with a seafood boil and fish fry on Sunday. Check out the schedule, and learn more here.
What: Grindfest – A celebration of Black business and entrepreneurship
When: June 18-20
Where: Various locations in the River Arts District
Tickets: Get tickets here.
Additional resources to learn more about Juneteenth
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