History

 
The Best Southwest area which includes DeSoto, Duncanville, Cedar Hill and Lancaster is so named because of the cities’ ability to work together on projects that benefit Southern Dallas County. On June 19, 2004, these cities cooperated once again on a history making event by co-sponsoring a first-ever Best Southwest Juneteenth Celebration. The event rotates to each city every year. 

Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration of the ending of slavery. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with the news that the Civil War had ended and that all slaves were now free. This was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation – which had become official on January 1, 1863. In subsequent years, African Americans celebrated Juneteenth with music, skits, barbecuing, picnics and ethnic dress. 

Organizations and Vendors

 
Community participation is the key to making this event a success. The City of DeSoto would like to invite your organization to be a part of this fun-filled event through active participation or financial support. Opportunities are available for community non-profit organizations for fund raising or to promote your organization. Local businesses can set up a booth to promote your products or services. We will also have an area for commercial vendors to sell their products. The booth fee for an information booth is $50, it is $100 for a craft or gift booth and $225 for a food booth which includes the $25 Health Inspection fee. All booths are 10' X 10'. 

Exhibitors/Vendors

Exhibitors at Creekfest must provide their own equipment including tables, chairs, shade cover and electricity. Set-up will begin at 3 p.m. Exhibitors must be set up and ready to open to the public by 3 p.m. and remain open until 10 p.m. On-site security will be provided by the DeSoto Police Department.