Newtown celebrates Juneteenth holiday

The Juneteenth celebration is held each year in Newtown, bringing many local businesses in the community together. 

However, Natasha Clemons, a participant in the event, said she wishes something like it could happen every month. 

"This community has lots of money, but when it comes to Juneteenth, we really come together, and it's really, really special," she said. 

Clemons was present on behalf of her son Rodney Mitchell, who was killed in 2012 during an altercation with police. She said the community has been through a lot, and she was glad to see members support one another.

The festival, held in honor of the holiday on June 19 commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, featured businesses offering cuisine, products and treats to help people cool off from the heat, drawing participants from Newtown and beyond. 

"I love it, and it doesn't matter what race, creed, or color it is," Clemons said. "We all support each other, and that's what I love about it. I like it when other races come into our community, and see that it's nothing negative about it, that it's all love, so that's what really excites me."