Juneteenth organizer on Off Ramp

Port Arthur’s Gail Pellum, known for heading up Juneteenth and Kwanzaa community activities, is in the driver’s seat on the cover of “Off Ramp.” Here’s what she has planned for this year’s Juneteenth:

Juneteenth Celebration – June 19, 2016. Activities around this date typically include cultural presentations and family activities to observe the day when the enslaved in Texas learned they were free.

This year:

• Flag raising noon, June 14, Jefferson County Sub Courthouse, downtown Port Arthur;
• Ms. Juneteenth Pageant and Mr. Juneteenth Extravaganza, 5 p.m. June 18, Popeye Holmes Park, at Jefferson County Sub Courthouse;
• Family activities 6 p.m. June 19, parade from Stilwell and Procter Streets to Gilham Circle, where vendors and entertainers will be set up.
• The group conducted a flag-raising ceremony on flag day. • 409.332.1709

The Southeast Texas Arts Council publication is a guide to arts and cultural adventures in Southeast Texas. Pellum, who represents the African American Cultural Society, is dressed in a gold dress with ankh designs in the grim and an orange headpiece. The cover model is always pictured in a convertible, about to drive into whatever fun awaits in the Port Arthur and Southeast Texas area.

This spring and summer 2016 edition includes information on the second Carnival des Cajuns festival, April 16 at the Carl A. Parker Multipurpose Center in Port Arthur; photos of Elliot Rain Abbey’s pine needle baskets, fashioned in the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe tradition; an update on the Tyrrell Riding Stables at Tyrrell Park; a feature on artist Sandra Laurette and her creations from her space at The Art Studio, Inc.; and a spread on the Night & Day Orchestra.

There’s also a Museum of the Gulf Coast exhibit schedule, including Exploring the Universe: A Special Exhibit on Loan from NASA, beginning June 11.

Pick up  a complimentary copy of “Off Ramp” at Port Arthur hotels  to help you maximize your visit.

Pellum said she invites anyone with ideas for planning Juneteenth or Kwanzaa to call her at 409-332-1709.

For more information on arts in the area, visit www.setxac.org.