Embracing Our Legacy
to Inspire Our Future
Saturday, June 27, 2026 · 4:00 – 7:00 PM CST
Celebrated the Saturday following Juneteenth
Join us on the historic grounds of St. Luke A.M.E. Church for an afternoon of food, music, local vendors, spoken word, and cultural celebration. The event is FREE — Open to All and open to the public.
Our Story
Our Legacy. Our Future.
St. Luke A.M.E. Church has stood as a beacon of faith, community, and resilience in Opelika for generations. This Juneteenth, we honor those who came before us — and invest in those who will carry us forward.
The History
June 19th, 1865
On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas with news that the Civil War had ended and enslaved people were finally free — more than two months after the war's official end.
"Freedom is never given; it is won."
— A. Philip Randolph
St. Luke A.M.E. Church is an integral part of the history of this community and state, and has recently been added to the Alabama State Register of Historic Sites. Proceeds from this celebration will help fund much-needed repairs to the church.
Participate in the Celebration
Applications Now Open
Applications and payment are due on or before Friday, June 19, 2026. Once approved, you will receive payment and setup instructions.
Food & Craft Vendors
Booth Fee: $50.00Set up your booth on the church grounds. One table and chairs provided. You may bring one additional table and a tent. Food vendors are welcome; however, due to space constraints, we cannot accommodate food trucks. Setup begins at 3:00 PM CST.
Apply Online Download PDF Application
Can't apply online? Download Application and Mail to: P.O. Box 4138, Opelika, AL 36803
Contact: Joyce
Event Sponsors
Tiers: $100 – $1,000Representative at event, recognized throughout the day, signage, publicity materials, flyers/cards distributed. Table optional.
Recognized throughout the day, signage, publicity materials, flyers/cards distributed. Table optional.
Recognized on event signage, flyers/cards distributed. Table optional.
Flyers/business cards distributed. Table optional.
Checks payable to St. Luke A.M.E. Church
Mail to: P.O. Box 4138, Opelika, AL 36803
Contact: Julia
Entertainers & Performers
Free · By InvitationMusical performances, spoken word, cultural presentations and more. Submit an application and our entertainment chair will be in touch.
Day-of Logistics
- Equipment: Electric piano and microphones provided
- Arrival: 30 minutes before your scheduled performance time
- Parking: Street parking on Auburn St and surrounding blocks
- Dress: Comfortably — it will be warm!
Questions? Contact: Jerry
Day of Events
Event Schedule
Saturday, June 27 · 4:00–7:00 PM CST · Church Grounds, 1308 Auburn St. In the event of severe weather, the celebration moves indoors.
- 3:00 PM Vendor Setup BeginsVendors may arrive and set up booths on the church grounds
- 4:00 PM Gates Open — Celebration BeginsVendor market opens · FREE admission · All are welcome
- 4:15 PM Opening Ceremony & InvocationWelcome by Rev. Monique Summers, Pastor · Flag ceremony · History moment
- 4:45 PM Cultural Performances BeginMusical acts, spoken word, and cultural presentations · Electric piano & microphones provided
- 6:00 PM Continued ProgrammingFood, music, community fellowship · Vendor market open through close
- 7:00 PM Celebration ClosesThank you for joining us. See you next year!
Thank You to Our Partners
2026 Sponsors
Businesses that cannot attend in person may still participate as event sponsors. All proceeds support historic repairs to St. Luke A.M.E. Church.
🏆 Platinum Sponsors — $1,000
Mail checks to: P.O. Box 4138, Opelika, AL 36803 · Payable to St. Luke A.M.E. Church