Augusta, GA

Augusta fairgrounds holds ninth annual Juneteenth Festival

Published

8 months ago

June 19, 2025

Augusta fairgrounds holds ninth annual Juneteenth Festival

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – On Thursday’s federal holiday, many are heading out to a Juneteenth celebration in Augusta at the fairgrounds.

Augusta’s ninth annual Juneteenth Festival is taking place on Thursday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. and is being hosted by Band of Brothers Augusta.

It’s a commemoration of the end of slavery in the U.S. and celebrates African American culture, and for many, not just another day off.

Attendees and officials wanted to emphasize why we celebrate the holiday.

”Can you imagine someone coming up to you and letting you know that you are free? I mean, I’m just sure they was in pure jubilee. And so, we want to keep that spirit up. That’s why I’m here,” said Valente Fanning, Washington-Wilkes Black History Advisory Commission.

“It’s important to shine light on that date, shine light on why it’s important and why we actually celebrate it, as well as having a good time,” said Chavis Lawrence, vice president, Band of Brothers.

Augusta’s ninth annual Juneteenth Festival is taking place on Thursday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.

“You just reflect on where you came from, so that you can move forward to your future,” said Patrick Frazier, attended the festival.

The Festival is being held at the Augusta Exchange Club Fairgrounds with food, exhibits and music, all while bringing the community together and teaching everyone what Juneteenth is about.

“I have the freedom to start this business as a local entrepreneur. You know, those people then, they did their due diligence, and they sacrificed their lives and everything to allow me to be free to do this,” said Brig Westmoreland, Elite Shaken Lemonade.

Nearly a decade ago, the founder of the festival, Travis Wright, organized the festival for more reasons than one.

“Everybody knows about the 4th of July. But this is our Freedom Day in 1863. Everyone knows Abraham Lincoln; he freed the slaves through the Emancipation Proclamation, but it took that word two whole years to travel all the way to Galveston, Texas, where the last group of slaves were freed in 1865. And that is what we celebrate,” said Wright.

Fanning came all the way from Washington County to celebrate.

“I came out here because we’re actually planning our Juneteenth celebration at Washington, Ga on the 21st. And so, in the spirit of Juneteenth, my birthday was actually yesterday. I just turned 35, and so this is part of my birthday celebration as well as Juneteenth, because I wanted to see how other cities do their Juneteenth celebration. And also, just to support our beautiful Augusta,” said Fanning.

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Augusta, GA

Protestors in downtown Augusta speak out after strikes on Iran

Published

10 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Protestors in downtown Augusta speak out after strikes on Iran

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Local protestors made their voices heard after Israel and the U.S. announced strikes on Iran Saturday, ones that killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reports say.

Protesters lined 13th Street in Downtown Augusta and walked across the river to North Augusta to make sure as many people as possible heard them.

50501 CSRA already had a march planned for Saturday, but in light of the strikes on Iran, decided to expand its focus.

Local leaders spoke about their concerns for the strikes, and roughly 60 people showed up to share theirs as well.

One of the event organizers said to make your voice heard your voice heard.

“Just call your people, call your representatives, if you don’t like that Iran was bombed, I don’t either. But call people and let them know, email them. Let it be relentless. Congress did not approve this. They have a say in this,” Zee Cook said.

The strike is being called “Operation Epic Fury,” with Iran responding with multiple missile and drone strikes across the Middle East.

In a social media post, President Trump said the bombing of the country will continue “as long as necessary.”

People across the world began lining the streets as well in support and against the decision.

Leaders across the world reacted to the news, including those in Georgia and South Carolina.

There’s a protest planned in Charleston and other regional cities this week.

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Augusta, GA

Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta

Published

22 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The city of Augusta announced a temporary closure of New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam Park.

Closure of the park at 2105 Lock and Dam Road will allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to repair the lock and dam structure.

The park will be closed from March 4 to April 7.

All areas of the park will be closed.

However, the Baurle Boat Ramp will remain open and accessible to the public for fishing and boating activities.

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Augusta, GA

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor

Published

1 day ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta 911 center has been named 2025 Communications Center of the Year at the Georgia Emergency Communications Conference in Athens.

The award recognizes excellence in public safety communications, innovation, leadership and service.

The award recognizes a center that demonstrates strong performance in emergency response coordination, training, technology and community engagement.

The Augusta center was selected among agencies statewide for its consistent service, professional standards and coordination with public safety partners.

“This recognition reflects the work our team does every single day,” said Daniel R. Dunlap, 911 director. “Our communications officers are the first point of contact during some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life. They provide reassurance, direction and critical coordination until help arrives. I am incredibly proud of the dedication and strength they show.”

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