CITY OF MERIDIAN MOVES JUNETEENTH HERITAGE CELEBRATION TO TEMPLE THEATRE

MERIDIAN, Miss. — Due to changing weather conditions, the City of Meridian has relocated tonight's Juneteenth Heritage Celebration from the City Hall Lawn to the Temple Theatre in downtown Meridian.

All scheduled entertainment and activities will proceed as planned. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m., and the celebration will begin at 7:00 p.m.

Community Development Director Terrell Thompson said the decision was made after carefully monitoring weather conditions throughout the day.

"In the best interest of everyone attending tonight's celebration, we believe this is the right decision," Thompson said. "We've waited as long as possible before making this call, but our responsibility is to provide the safest and most enjoyable experience possible for our residents, visitors, performers, vendors, and volunteers. We are grateful to have a venue like the Temple Theatre that allows us to continue this celebration without interruption."

Vendor booths will be located on 24th Avenue between 8th Streetand 9th Street adjacent to the Temple Theatre. That section of roadway will be closed to traffic, and security measures will be in place throughout the event area.

Public Safety Director Greg Morgan said city personnel will remain on site to assist with traffic control, security, and event operations.

"We appreciate everyone's flexibility and cooperation," Morgan said. "Our teams are prepared, and we look forward to welcoming the community for a safe and memorable celebration."

The City of Meridian invites residents and visitors to join us tonight as we celebrate freedom, heritage, culture, and community at the Temple Theatre.