Juneteenth celebrations with music & food set for Aliquippa, Beaver Falls. Pittsburgh

Music, food and kids' activities will lead the fun at Juneteenth celebrations in Aliquippa and Beaver Falls.

Here are the details:

Aliquippa

The Beaver County Juneteenth Festival takes place from 2-10 p.m. June 17 at Lefty Cepull Park in Aliquippa.

Returning for a third year, "it will be way bigger and better this year," says founder Tatiana Foskey. "We'll have a bounce house, fireworks, a petting zoo for kids, a dunk tank and more entertainment."

One of Pittsburgh's most popular rock bands, Nash.V.Ill starring Byron Nash, will entertain at 6 p.m., along with dance music stalwarts the Franchise Band, and the United Praise Dance Team.

Foskey and community empowerment group Aliquippa Green will coordinate the event that will offer soul food and barbecue. Admission is free.

A celebration of Black culture, freedom and resilience, the inaugural event began in 2020 with a simple Facebook post by Foskey wondering why there wasn't a Juneteenth celebration in Beaver County. The community responded, with $4,000 in donations and others volunteering their services to make a local Juneteenth event happen.

“The Juneteenth Festival is a powerful community event celebrating the end of slavery in America," Foskey said. "It's all about uniting, learning, and honoring our shared past while looking to a brighter future.

"A key goal for the festival is to uplift Black-owned businesses. It's a fantastic platform for them to gain exposure and connect with potential customers," she said. :This festival fosters unity and pride in our community. It's not just a fun event; it's about mutual support and community growth.”

More: Garrison Day, Beaver County Boom!, Beaver Falls car cruise & more fun ideas this June

Beaver Falls

The City of Beaver Falls presents its second annual Juneteenth from 3-8 p.m. June 17 at the Second Avenue Playground.

DJ Tracy will provide the music. Food will come from Annie Lee's Southern Kitchen, Taste the Caribbean and other vendors.

There will be kids' activities, health & wellness information and a basketball tournament to honor the legacy of the Second Avenue Playground.

More: Moltrup mansion & garden tour in Beaver Falls will raise money for local food ministry

Pittsburgh Juneteenth

The Western Pennsylvania Juneteenth Homecoming Celebration from June 16-19 will offer famous hip-hop acts Arrested Development and KRS-One, funk music chart-toppers Ohio Players, and family-friendly fun at the city's Point State Park.

The entertainment lineup:

June 16

5 p.m.: Hurricane Chris.

6:30 p.m.: Arrested Development.

8 p.m.: KRS-ONE

June 17

2 p.m.: U.S. Army Jazz Band

5 p.m.: Sammie

6:30 p.m.: KeKe Wyatt

8 p.m.: Carl Thomas & Band

June 18

3 p.m.: Sammie Deleon Afro-Cuban Band

6:30 p.m.: Soul 4 Real

8 p.m.: Erica Campbell

June 19

3 p.m.: Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra

5 p.m.: Phyllis Hyman Tribute Band

6:30 p.m.: Ruff Endz

8 p.m.: The Ohio Players

9:35 p.m.: Juneteenth Fireworks.

Minority-owned small businesses, artisans and other vendors will set up at the Juneteenth Minority Vendor Plaza along Liberty and Penn Avenues, near Point State Park.

At 10 a.m. June 17, the Grand Jubilee Juneteenth Parade will march through downtown Pittsburgh, followed at 1 p.m. by a voting rights forum.

Juneteenth origins

"Juneteenth is an essential celebration as it marks a significant turning point in American history, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States," notes the Aliquippa Green website publicizing the city's Juneteenth event. "Celebrated annually on June 19th, Juneteenth symbolizes the resilience, perseverance, and enduring spirit of the African American community. The day honors the announcement of General Order No. 3 by Union General Gordon Granger, which informed enslaved individuals in Galveston, Texas, that they were free on June 19, 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous occasion not only marked the end of a dark chapter in American history but also served as a catalyst for the long journey toward racial equality and social justice. By acknowledging and celebrating Juneteenth, we not only honor the struggles and sacrifices of our ancestors but also promote unity, understanding, and a commitment to a more equitable future for all Americans."

This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: Juneteenth events bring music and food fun to Aliquippa & Beaver Falls