Join the Juneteenth celebrations

You can join the celebration this weekend for Juneteenth by attending day-long events Saturday at Bacon Park or joining organizers Monday at Wheatley School as they recognize those who have had an important impact on the community.

Activities recognizing the history of Juneteenth were also held Friday at Northside Community Center.

Butler County is fortunate to have so many volunteers come forward to organize the events, and we want to take a moment to thank everyone involved.

Northside offered educational activities, looking at the meaning and importance of Juneteenth. The volunteers of Northside also served a meal and organized family-friendly games.

Saturday brings more than 30 vendors to Bacon Park for a community celebration that kicks off at 10 a.m., and includes food, fun, music and sports competitions. The day will end with fireworks Saturday evening.

Wheatley Historical Preservation Association will hold activities from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday at Wheatley School. The group plans to honor individuals who have been important to the community.

These events touch on critical components of a healthy community, remembering its history, providing a gathering for its residents to come together and celebrate and recognizing the people who help keep it strong.

Events like this are often organized without recognition or pay, and they require a great deal of time and effort on the part of volunteers.

This is not the first year for this coordinated effort, and we hope it’s not the last.

Thank you to everyone involved in these projects.