Drillers help celebrate Juneteenth with help from Greenwood district
BY JENNIFER CHANCELLOR World Scene Writer
Thursday, June 16, 2011
6/16/11 at 5:42 AM
Celebrate Juneteenth - and Father's Day weekend - with a gamut of Tulsa Drillers special events this weekend, right in the heart of Greenwood.
A tribute to the Negro Baseball League will be presented at ONEOK Field by the Tulsa Drillers on Friday. The Metropolitan Baptist Church Choir also will perform the opening anthem under direction of musician and artist Merton Huff.
Thursday night is "thirsty Thursday" with $1 beer and soft drinks, Friday is a fireworks spectacular, Saturday will have a special appearance by BirdZerk, and Sunday is family fun day.
The Drillers will wear jerseys to commemorate the T-Town Clowns, Tulsa's Minor League Negro team.
Tours, games, guests and more will round out the festivities.
"This is a perfect place to celebrate Greenwood's rich culture and heritage," said Juneteenth event coordinator Mary Williams.
A surprise guest will throw out the first pitch at Sunday's baseball game, Williams said.
Schedule of events
THURSDAY
2 p.m.: Tour of Mt. Zion Baptist Church on Elgin Avenue
2-4 p.m.: Guided tour at the John Hope Franklin Park on Elgin near ONEOK Field
4 p.m.: Free ONEOK Stadium tour with refreshments 5 p.m.; antique car show on Historic Greenwood Avenue
7 p.m.: The McBee Family and more gospel and jazz at OSU-Tulsa Auditorium - all free
7:05 p.m.: The Drillers vs. Arkansas at ONEOK Field (ticketed event)
FRIDAY
6:30 p.m.: Merton Huff & Metropolitan B.C. Church Choir and Tulsa Drillers, honoring the Negro Baseball League at ONEOK Field with a special fireworks tribute after the game
7:05 p.m.: The Drillers v. Arkansas at ONEOK Field (ticketed event)
SATURDAY
7 p.m.: Free family picnic and live music on stage at OSU Greenwood Field
7:05 p.m.: The Drillers vs. Arkansas at ONEOK Field (ticketed event)
SUNDAY
Day of worship at local and Greenwood-area churches
7:05 p.m.: The Drillers v. Arkansas at ONEOK Field (ticketed event)
Original Print Headline: Greenwood, Drillers help to celebrate Juneteenth
Jennifer Chancellor 918-581-8346
jennifer.chancellor@tulsaworld.com
