Event Calendar

THURSDAY, JUNE 19

Holiday: Chamber Closed for Juneteenth

The Chamber offices are closed today and will reopen on Friday, June 20th at 8am.

Arts in the Sunset: Check out local artists’ works throughout the gallery. (daily, hours vary; 3701 Plains Blvd.; free; 806-354-8802)

What is Juneteenth?

In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared a formal end to slavery in the United States. However, change was not instant after the proclamation. Nearly two and a half years later, on June 19th, 1865, the enslaved African Americans of Galveston, Texas got the news by way of the Union army troops that freedom had come at last.

The next year, the people of Galveston commemorated that day as Juneteenth, a celebration of freedom. Since then, it’s been observed in communities and states as a holiday, but officially recognized as a federal holiday in 2021.

Why is the holiday called Juneteenth? The name blends the month and the day this news reached the people of Galveston: “June” plus “nineteenth” is Juneteenth. It’s also often called Emancipation Day or Freedom Day.

How do you explain Juneteenth to a child?

When talking about Juneteenth with children and teens, it’s important to remember that Juneteenth is a celebration – a celebration of freedom and the joyful recognition of the perseverance and spirit of Black people in this nation.

With that in mind, adjust your conversation to your child’s personal development, maturity level and what they’re learning about. For young children, you can share that Juneteenth is a holiday that celebrates freedom for all people in the United States.

Define the word “freedom” and talk about what freedom means to them.

If your child is learning about American history, this short video from PBS Kids helps kids explore the history of Juneteenth and how it’s celebrated by families today.

Teenagers can have more nuanced conversations around Juneteenth – exploring concepts of freedom and civil rights, racism and prejudice, and modern-day racial injustice. Many Boys & Girls Clubs across the country host town halls, panels and other discussions for teens to be able to talk about racial inequity and other critical issues on their minds, asking for their critical thinking around how to inspire positive change in our nation.

Save the Date!

Please join Sharing Hope Ministry for a special summer giving campaign! Giving starts THIS FRIDAY, June 20th!

“With God nothing will be impossible.” Luke 1:37

Shattered. Broken. Tossed away. Hopeless. Unwanted. It may seem impossible to restore the rubble of your life, to put back together the broken pieces of your heart, BUT GOD. Nobody is beyond redemption or repair. He is a mighty God who is bigger than the seemingly impossible.

At Sharing Hope Ministry our mission is to assist at-risk and incarcerated women in changing their story by SHARING HOPE through Christ’s love!

Our vision is to equip women to be productive members of society, achieve their potential, and lead Christ-centered and self-sufficient lives through education, empowerment and encouragement!

We couldn’t do any of what we do without the financial support of community & church partnerships and private donors just like YOU!!

Will you join us in our mission and help us reach our goal of $20,000!? Giving days for this campaign are Friday June, 20th thru Friday July, 4th!

**Please visit our website at www.sharinghopeministry.org to give online!

Call our office with questions: 806-358-7803

Lindsy Donathan

Special Projects Coordinator

TICKETS FOR ‘SYMPHONY UNDER THE STARS’ AT HODGETOWN ON SALE NOW 

Amarillo Symphony Returns for a Magical Night of Music, Food, and Fireworks on September 6

AMARILLO, TX (June 17, 2025) – The Amarillo Symphony and the Amarillo Sod Poodles are thrilled to announce that tickets are now on sale for the sixth annual “Symphony Under the Stars” at HODGETOWN. This year’s highly anticipated outdoor concert will take place on Saturday, September 6, with gates opening at 6:00 p.m.

The Panhandle’s only professional symphony orchestra will be conducted by George Jackson as they kick off the 2025–26 season with an unforgettable program featuring the iconic music of John Williams. Audiences can expect beloved selections from legendary films such as Star Wars, E.T., Harry Potter, and more.

An evening of timeless classics under the West Texas sky will be capped off with a spectacular Fireworks Finale presented by FirstBank Southwest making for a night the entire family can enjoy. Food and drink will be available throughout the event, and guests are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the full experience.

Tickets start at just $14 and can be purchased online HERE. A limited number of on-field VIP Tables are also available, each including seating for eight and a prime steak dinner, offering a front-row view of the performance.

The Amarillo Symphony gives special thanks to Street Toyota, Amarillo National Bank, CVB Film Commission, Physicians Surgical, and Sprouse, Shrader, Smith for helping bring this event to life.

Join us for a magical night of music, community, and celebration at the heart of downtown Amarillo. For premium hospitality options—including Dugout Suites, Concourse Suites, Luxury Suites, the Pepsi Party Deck, or the new City Federal Credit Union Fiesta Deck—please contact the Sod Poodles Front Office at (806) 803-9547 or email groups@sodpoodles.com. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the HODGETOWN Box Office, open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wonderland Park: The 2025 season continues at Amarillo’s amusement park. (Friday through Monday; times and ticket prices vary; 2601 Dumas Driv