OKEECHOBEE — The office of the Okeechobee County Clerk of the Circuit Court has been getting an early start on recognizing Juneteenth this year.

Robin Watson, who works in the clerk’s office and is responsible for organizing the various holiday celebrations, said she thinks it is important for everyone to understand the meaning behind Juneteenth. That is why this year, they have been having a trivia contest with at least one question pertaining to Juneteenth each day. “All the people who answer the question correctly each day get put into a cup and a name is drawn. We give out a prize on a daily basis.” The questions range from… What does Juneteenth commemorate? To What other names is Juneteenth known by? To What day does Juneteenth fall on?

On the actual day of Juneteenth, they will have a celebration and will play Bingo games throughout the office. They have figured out a way to play this at their desks, she explained. People can win prizes all day.

The clerk’s office is known for its participation in all sorts of activities to help keep morale up. They celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, Woman’s History month, Black History Month, Cinco De Mayo “It causes people to ask questions and actually learn about things that have happened that they might not know the details about.”

Soon, they will be celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.