June 15, 2023 – The City of Allentown is proud to announce its annual Juneteenth celebration, a three-day extravaganza from June 16 to June 18, marking a momentous occasion in our nation’s history.

The Juneteenth Weekend is hosted by the City of Allentown in collaboration with the Allentown Juneteenth Committee and other local organizations, businesses, and community leaders.

Weekend-long Event Highlights:

• Three-day basketball tournament featuring local and out-of-state teams.
• Free yoga classes for all skill levels based around quotes from influential black leaders.
• Over 80 soul food, merchandise, art, and community resource vendors.

Saturday Specific Celebration Highlights:

• Flag football tournament at J. Birney Crum Stadium
• Free swim lessons and free entry to Cedar Beach Pool, as capacity allows.
• Live performances by local and regional singers, dance ministries, artists, and spoken-word poets. Entertainment led by DJ Prince Hakim and Basketball DJ Swift Adames. A jazz music section at the park has also been added to this year’s event led by Nakked Soul Trio.
• Juneteenth Pageant
• Paint Classes (at a cost) for both children and adults
• Family-friendly activities and games including double dutch, jacks, and hopscotch.
• Fireworks

Opening ceremonies, yoga, and vendors in the park that were promoted to take place Friday, June 16 are cancelled due to the weather forecast.  

The opening ceremonies will now occur Saturday, June 17. Friday’s basketball tournament will be moved indoors to William Allen and Dieruff High Schools, and will be played from 3 to 9 p.m. At this time, all activities for Saturday and Sunday will take place as scheduled.

Juneteenth, short for “June Nineteenth”, marks the day when federal troops arrived in Texas in 1865 to take control of the state following the conclusion of the Civil War and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. It honors the end of slavery in the U.S. and serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience, progress, and cultural heritage of our diverse community.

More information on the City’s Juneteenth celebration, including schedules and activities, can be found at www.allentownpa.gov/Juneteenth.

 

Information provided to TVL by:
Genesis Ortega
Communications Manager
Office of the Mayor
http://www.AllentownPA.gov

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