Second Annual Juneteenth Barbecue and Blues Celebration

The Old Forge Library will host its second annual Juneteenth community celebration, Barbecue and Blues, on Thursday, June 18 at 4 p.m. on the library lawn.

The free event will bring together neighbors, families, and visitors for an evening of food, music, and community connection.

Building on the success of the library’s inaugural celebration in 2025, the event continues a growing local tradition centered on honoring freedom, resilience, and shared community values. Nearly 90 people attended the first celebration, many participating in a Juneteenth event for the first time.

Guests can enjoy a family-friendly barbecue featuring grilled favorites, potato salad, and classic summer dishes while gathering with friends and neighbors. Live music will be provided by local performers Gwen and Jim Tracy. The afternoon will also include a community reading, educational giveaways, and activities for children.

Freedom Day

Often called “Freedom Day,” Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Texas learned they were free, more than two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Since becoming a federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth has become an important opportunity for communities across the country to recognize African American history, culture, and resilience.

The celebration is part of a larger series of Juneteenth programs at the library. On June 17, the library will partner with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Herkimer County for Red Food Workshop: The Art of Preservation, a hands-on program exploring the traditions and meaning of red foods in Juneteenth celebrations.

Juneteenth programming at the library has received support from the Association for Rural & Small Libraries, the Equity Grant Round at the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, and the Adirondack Community Foundation’s Generous Acts Fund.

The event is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy an evening of food, music, and fellowship.

For more information, call the Old Forge Library at 315-369-6008 or visit the library.