The Prairie Village Juneteenth Freedom Celebration will begin at 4 p.m. Saturday, June 17 in Harmon Park.

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.  From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19 as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond.

The annual, free event offers the opportunity to enjoy a late afternoon and early evening of food, drink and fun featuring music from the band Funk Syndicate. A variety of activities for the whole family will be available, including face painting, balloon artists, arts and crafts, games and inflatables. Several Black-owned vendors will be on-hand at the event.

Winners of the Juneteenth poster and essay contests will be announced. The goal of the contests is to provide an opportunity for children, youth and families to learn more about Juneteenth, create a poster or essay about it and join together for this celebration. The theme for both contests is “What Juneteenth Freedom Means to Me.”  Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place in each age bracket: 5-6 year-olds, 7-9 year-olds and 10-12 year-olds for the poster contest and 13-15  year-olds and 16-18 year-olds for the essay contest. Submission deadline is June 5, 2023. More information at standupblacklives.com.

This event is sponsored by:  STAND-Up for Black Lives+ PV, PV Diversity Committee, JCNAACP and Village Church. Free parking is available at the Shawnee Mission East lot off of Mission Road, the PV Pool lot off Delmar, Mission Bible Church and Community of Christ Church.