SALISBURY TWP., Pa. – Juneteenth Lehigh Valley events kick off days from now, and year after year the celebration grows.
Dr. Karen Britt, the Juneteenth Lehigh Valley president, visited 69 News at Sunrise to give us a look at what’s new and exciting this year.
Juneteenth is a holiday celebrated on June 19, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, the Juneteenth Lehigh Valley website says.
The website says it marks the day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas with news that the Civil War had ended and all slaves were free.
Programming will include flag raisings, food experiences, a parade, music, art, and more.
Britt gave us an overview of this year’s Juneteenth Lehigh Valley events from June 13 to the 20.
On June 13, the organization will have its 5K Walk/Run Health and Wellness Fest in downtown Easton at Riverside Park on Larry Holmes Drive.
A flag raising ceremony will take place June 14 both in Easton and in Bethlehem. The group is excited because it offers organizers an opportunity to give scholarships to two high school graduating seniors, she said.
A children’s festival will be held at the PBS building in Bethlehem June 14 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The event, which is free, will feature face painting and scavenger hunts. Crayola products will be given out.
69 News Anchor Jaciel Cordoba will be throwing out the first pitch on Friday June 19 at Coca-Cola Park, at an event that will feature fireworks.
Juneteenth Lehigh Valley will be holding a Juneteenth parade and music festival. The festival will be at Riverside Park at the amphitheater.