A performance by FR3EDIM, featuring Harry Jefferson and Grace Jefferson.
Photo credit: Paula Markowitz Wittlin

The mood was exuberant and the weather was cooperative (after a rainy start) as White Plains celebrated its  fifth annual Juneteenth celebration on June 13. Starting with a parade along Mamaroneck Avenue to City Hall, the festival continued with music, food and a fun block party atmosphere.

Juneteenth originated in Texas as a commemoration of when Union soldiers reached Galveston and announced that the Civil War was ended and slaves were now free. Though President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation became official in 1863, it had little impact in Texas and other states where few troops were present to enforce it. New York State, in 2003, declared June nineteenth to be Juneteenth Freedom Day.

Elise Finch, the CBS TV meteorologist, and Torey Thomas, professional basketball player and co-founder of the New York Blaze, were the co-Grand Marshals.  Mack Carter chaired the White Plains Juneteenth Heritage Committee, and Mayor Joseph Delfino and the Honorable Lois Bronz served as Honorary Co-Chairs. Special tribute was given this year to historically black fraternities and sororities for “their continued commitment to personal excellence, community service and philanthropy.”  (See White Plains Times, December 4, 2008 for an article on Alpha Kappa Alpha .)

Seen at the Juneteenth celebration, from left to right: Top row: Vulcan Society Drum Line; County Legislator Lois Bronz and County Executive Andrew Spano; White Plains photographer Steve Morton with his family. Middle row: Nazare Haughton watching the parade; a passing race car driver with the White Plains Family YMCA; Vulcan Society Drum Line. Bottom row: a member of the Federation of Black Cowboys; cheering the passing parade.

Photo credit: Paula Markowitz Wittlin

County Legislator Lois Bronz conferred with ArtsWestchester Executive Director Janet Langsam
Photo credit: Paula Markowitz Wittlin

At the annual Arts Bash fundraiser for ArtsWestchester—at their headquartes on Mamaroneck Avenue—the food and wine were plentiful. Party-goers enjoyed a preview of the new gallery exhibit and had a chance to tour the studios of resident artists.

Clockwise, from upper left: The scene at the Arts Exchange gallery; William C Maxwell and art teacher Dana DeVito examine "Small World" by William Whalen; Denise Proctor welcomed visitors to her fashion studio, where she has long held classes for budding designers; Catherine and Maren Hexter having a look at Robert Spinazzola’s “La Ville Industrielle Fin De Siecle”; Ann Fabrizio and David Hochberg; Sheila Hale, who is exhibiting her work in the current gallery show, “Rubbish! Art and the Ecosystem”

Photo credit: Paula Markowitz Wittlin

Kevin Uriarte, (with Larry Padilla in the background) at the children’s art workshop
Photo credit: Paula Markowitz Wittlin

The 47th annual Outdoor Arts Festival, at Tibbets Park, brought an end to May and ushered in June with a juried art show, emerging and student art exhibits, food and music. The weather was splendid and proceeds benefitted WPHS Art Scholarships. With the Clean And Green fair happening on Saturday, and a Mamaroneck Avenue block party on Sunday it was a great weekend to enjoy White Plains.

Left to right: emerging artist Alex Miritello with her photos; Roni Gevins, of Hand for Peace, with an original hamsa tee shirt. Marie Cartelli at The Lenti Zoo

Photo credit: Paula Markowitz Wittlin