STOMP! The Step Competition at the Juneteenth Heritage Festival is one of the more exciting events of the day. Usually scheduled for the late afternoon, it draws one of the largest crowds for a single activity. Participants are mostly High School based or private youth groups sponsored by a college fraternity/sorority or adult coordinator. A blend of precision drills, acrobatics, athletics, chanting, rhyme and use of props makes the step competition a real challenge to participating teams and a thrill to those watching the action.
Since the first Juneteenth Heritage Festival in 1992, there have been drill and step team exhibitions, including Jr. ROTC squads from local Anniston High School and visitors from Bailey Senior High School, Bailey, Ms. with their rifle drill team. In 1996- STOMP!- the competition was introduced and has grown in popularity ever since. Both male and female teams compete against each other. During the year, teams are usually involved in community service and school activities and look forward to this event as a way of "strutting their stuff."
1999 First Place: Kappa Lambda Mu
1998 First Place: Gamma Phi Chill
For Juneteenth Heritage Festival 2008 the Step Competition will be held Saturday, June 14th. We also welcome out-of-town step teams to the Stomp! competition. Slots are limited. Registration is taking place now by calling (256) 237-2938 or E-mail us at JuneteenthFestival@mail.com.
Kappa Lambda Mu do their "Cane Show" at Junteenth '99 Step Competion in Anniston, Al.
A-Town Lady Steppers, winners
of the first Stomp! competition.1997
1999-Sophisticated Lady Steppers-of
Alpha Kappa Alpha, visit from Jackson, Ms.
Stepping has its roots in coming of age ceremonies, or rites of passage. It is a special gathering with cultural and social significance to those participating and to many viewing the event. To learn more check The History of Stepping.
