“It was awesome in a sense of community, but also having something like this in the Gorge is special, and I hope it begins to spread. The music was great. You can just feel the passion… — Kesomi Palaki.

Wasco County Commissioners voted to recognize June 19th as Juneteenth in celebration of the federal government’s final execution of the Emancipation Proclamation. Commissioners also cut a deal with Hood River County to continue building code inspections.

Juneteenth Becomes a Federal Holiday. Local people and activists say it’s long overdue but happy it’s happening.