Lantern Parade

Event Information

When

THIS EVENT HAS ENDED
Saturday, June 22
8:00 pm to 10:00 pm
2024
iCal / Google Calendar

Where

Veterans' Memorial Park
Located on Massirio Drive and Farmington Ave (near the Stop & Shop plaza)
Berlin, CT

Join B.E.A.T. for a Lantern Parade led by Hartford’s Proud Drill, Drum, and Dance Corp, celebrating Berlin history as well as 50 years of hip hop!

Abraham Lincoln reenactor Howard Wright will open the parade with the story of the Wide Awakes, a pro-Lincoln political organization formed in 1860 and known for their torchlight parades and rallies. The nearby Berlin Historical Society will also offer the opportunity to see Berlin’s one-of-a-kind Wide Awakes lantern and watch our award winning film, The 29th Connecticut and the Fight for Freedom.

Then, join DJ Terrible Tee to celebrate 50 years of hip hop with a party in the park! Kids are encouraged to attend, but please note that the music may be PG-13.

Sponsored by the B.E.A.T. (Berlin Equity Action Team).

 

Where to Go

The parade begins at Veterans’ Memorial Park, which is located on Massirio Drive and Farmington Ave near the Stop & Shop plaza.

 

What To Bring

Visit the library 11:00 am to 2:30 pm to make your own Wide Awake Lantern for the parade!

This event is rain or shine—so we recommend checking the forecast and bringing ponchos or umbrellas in case of rain.

 

Who Were The Wide Awakes?

The Wide Awakes were a political organization formed in the United States during the 1860 presidential election campaign. They were supporters of Abraham Lincoln and the Republican Party. The group originated in Connecticut but quickly spread to other states, organizing torchlight parades and rallies to promote Lincoln’s candidacy and the abolitionist cause. The Wide Awakes played a significant role in mobilizing support for Lincoln and energizing the Republican Party base, helping him win the presidency in 1860.

 

Who is DJ Terrible Tee?

In addition to being one of Connecticut’s most legendary DJs, Tyrone K. Dunmore (DJ Terrible Tee) is a hip hop scholar and educator. Join Mr. Dunmore at 2:00 pm for the library’s Celebration of Hip-Hop program, an educational music collaboration celebrating the journey of the genre!

 

Who are Hartford’s Proud Drill, Drum, and Dance Corp?

Hartford’s Proud blends sound, movement, and artistry to nurture the growth of young individuals, providing them with broader opportunities to excel academically, socially, and artistically throughout their lives.

 

Juneteenth Celebration Schedule

This is a tentative schedule. Please check back in June to make sure you have the most up-to-date information!

Juneteenth Celebration

Saturday, June 22

Learn all about Juneteenth and its connection to Berlin! Featuring food, live music, speakers and presentations, book displays, and more.

Collaborative Storytelling

Saturday, June 22, 11:00 am to 11:45 am

Join us for an exciting collaboration between Connecticut-based Civil War reenactor Kevin Johnson and the performance ensemble Nzinga's Daughters.

Wide-Awake Lantern Craft

Saturday, June 22, 11:00 am to 2:30 pm

Join us outside for a fun and creative Juneteenth lantern-making workshop!

Keynote Speaker John Mills

Saturday, June 22, 11:50 am to 12:35 pm

Join John Mills for a discussion of his work with genealogical investigation.

His Truth is Marching On

Saturday, June 22, 12:40 pm to 1:45 pm

Join us for a screening of the documentary His Truth is Marching On, followed Q&A with writer and director Dan Morrison.

Celebration of Hip-Hop

Saturday, June 22, 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm

An educational music collaboration celebrating the journey of the genre.

Lantern Parade

Saturday, June 22, 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Join B.E.A.T. at Veterans' Memorial Park for a Lantern Parade celebrating Berlin history as well as 50 years of hip hop!