The entire community is invited to “Juneteenth, a Day of Celebration,” running Saturday at the Victor Hart Sr. Complex in Gifford. Organizers from Community United IRC say everyone should enjoy the jubilant day. There will be food, bounce houses, music, more than 30 vendors, a “seven on seven” football game for the grownups, arts and crafts, and more. Also known as “Freedom Day,” Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when word reached Texas that the Civil War had ended and so, too, did slavery in the United States. Organizers of Gifford’s Juneteenth celebration hope the festival will grow into an annual one and that everyone will come celebrate this important part of American history. “We’re trying to unify the community,” says organizer Javon Green. “We’re open to every race. I would love to see a nice large crowd.” The event came together loosely a few years ago on a Facebook page of Community United IRC members Chester Donley, Constance Peterson, Javon Green, Merchon Green, Ronshaun Jones, Tanya Robinson, Raine Rose and Teearka Phinizee. They had to cancel the event last year because of the pandemic. Now, though, it looks like it’s gathering steam. “We never expected it to get to this point,” Green said. The event runs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday in the large park at the Victor Hart Sr. Complex, 4715 43rd St. Admission is free. Funds raised from vendor fees will go to the community’s efforts in getting children needed supplies when they return to school. For more information, call 772-501-7632 or go to the Facebook page of Community United IRC.
Country music icon Mark Chesnutt comes to town Saturday evening to perform at the Country Inferno Music Festival, which is presented by the Indian River County Firefighters. While he takes the stage in the evening, the festival presents a full day of music. The performance schedule is: King Tide, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.; Whiskey Trip, 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Randy McNeeley, 3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.; Kurt Stevens, 4:15 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Pryce & Lee, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; and Chesnutt, who performs 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. “Having a national music icon like Mark Chesnutt is something that everyone should come out and experience,” said Jeff Raynor, the festival’s assistant manager. “It’s just super exciting to have him that close in our little town.” Interestingly, Chesnutt had originally planned to perform at the Indian River County Firefighters Fair, which is held in the spring. However, due to the pandemic, he had to postpone. Now, though, organizers have taken advantage of the change and created a second festival, which they intend to make into an annual summer country music event. Funds raised at both festivals go to the Indian River County Firefighters’ Burn Fund, scholarships and a special program that helps people displaced by fires. In addition to enjoying the musical lineup, patrons should have fun at the bounce houses, vendors, food trucks and more. Tickets to the Country Inferno Music Festival are $40 general to $200 for the all-access pass (there are good discounts for advanced sale tickets). The all-access pass will get you in special VIP seating, a meal, and VIP bathrooms as well. “The top ticket gets you special seating, upon a stage close to the mainstage,” Raynor said. “The only thing they can’t do is get up on stage and sing along into the mic.” Wes’ Backyard BBQ will be supplying the VIP stage food and Southern Eagle Distributing is sponsoring VIP drinks. There’s also camping, with reservations available online. The Country Inferno Music Festival opens 11 a.m. Saturday at the Indian River County Fairgrounds, 7955 58th Ave., Vero Beach. To purchase advance sale tickets, or to make camping reservations, go to CountryInferno.com.
Learn about the care, feeding and beauty of aquatic plants at the 16th Annual Waterlily Celebration, taking place Saturday at the McKee Botanical Garden. The focus will be on one of McKee’s collection of more than 80 varieties of waterlilies – potted and free range – with both night-blooming and day-blooming varieties. It is one of the state’s largest collection of waterlilies. In addition, there will be repotting demonstrations and aquatic plant experts and vendors on hand. The event runs 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the McKee Botanical Garden, 350 U.S. 1, Vero Beach. Admission is $15 general, with discounts for seniors, teens, children, first responders and military, both active and veteran. For more information, call 772-794-0601 or visit McKeeGarden.org.
