Juneteenth has been a state holiday since Governor Tom Vilsack’s proclamation in 2002, and three Washington organizations are coming together to hold a local event for the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.

MUSIC, Inc., Washington for Justice, and Latinos For Washington Inc., are holding a Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration this Saturday from 3-7:30 p.m. in Central Park. MUSIC, Inc. President Dan Henderson says this is a free, family-friendly event, also sponsored by Washington State Bank and Malott Law, PLC, “It’s about helping kids to understand what Juneteenth is and I suspect a lot of parents will learn too, because there’s a lot of adults that don’t know what Juneteenth is. But we’ll have face painting in the park. We’re going to have a craft table set up for kids to kind of express themselves in terms of what freedom means to them and what’s inclusive of everyone. We’re going to have a couple story readers, we’re going to be reading children’s books about Juneteenth and diversity.”

Children’s activities will take place from 3-5 p.m., as well as food vendors from Mango Jaziel, El Gringo Loco, and Rodney’s Jamaican Jerk and BBQ. Henderson recommends bringing a lawn chair as from 5-6 p.m. there will be guest speakers to discuss Juneteenth’s meaning and significance, including Tom Moore from the African American Museum of Iowa. The finale will be a concert from Blues artist Kevin Burt from 6-7:30 p.m. The public can also view two traveling exhibits from the museum at the event and around the downtown square now through June 26th. Listen to a two-part Halcyon House Washington Page with Henderson on air and at kciiradio.com today and tomorrow to hear more about the exhibits and Saturday’s celebration.