8 Reasons to Attend the 2022 St. Cloud Juneteenth Celebration

Celebrated annually on the 19th of June, Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. It has been celebrated since the late 1800’s, but it was officially established as a national holiday by President Biden on June 17th, 2021. The holiday is celebrated annually with friends and family gathering for festivals, barbeques, comradery and education. 

2022 marks the 25th annual St. Cloud Juneteenth Celebration. Taking place on June 17th at Lake George from 3-9pm, this is going to be a full afternoon and evening of fun, learning, and more. And everyone is invited! Not sure what’s in store? We’re here to help – here are 8 reasons you should come to the St. Cloud Juneteenth Celebration. 

Vendors

Check out tons of local vendors that will have everything from things for sale to information on community resources and much more. Connect with community resources like Anna Marie’s Alliance and Big Brothers Big Sisters, learn about local businesses like BadCat Digital and the Good Earth Food Coop, and have fun with organizations like the Great River Children’s Museum and No Limit Painting. With over 50 vendors, there is something for everyone!

Community Health Fair

Health care comes to you! Visit the community health fair during Juneteenth where you can do basic wellness checkups, learn about community resources, and even book your appointments onsite. Exercise with the YMCA, get your COVID vaccine, check your blood pressure and your glucose levels, take an eye exam, and learn about tons of valuable community health resources. It makes taking care of yourself easy, and then you can relax and have fun!

Grill-Off

Come and check out the ultimate competition! Local grill-masters will go head to head in this culinary test to see who is the best of the best. The winner will receive a knife set and the runner up will get a custom apron, and no matter what YOU will get to watch all the action!

Basketball Tournament

This three on three co-ed basketball tournament will take place from 3pm to 7pm, and it is free to participate in! There are high school and middle school divisions, and most importantly a cash prize for first place. To sign up your team, click here!

Food Trucks

If there’s one thing you need to do to prepare for Juneteenth, it’s to come hungry. Get ready to experience tons of great foods from local and regional vendors and food trucks, including Chevy’s Pit, Food from the Soul, African Yen, and more. You may come hungry, but you definitely won’t leave hungry!

Kid Zone

Juneteenth is a very family-friendly event, with opportunities for kids to learn, connect, and of course, play! Check out the kid zone for an inflatable obstacle course, sensory activities, story time with the Great River Regional Public Library, face painting, and much more. Plus, kids and parents will have the opportunity to paint 5×7 canvases of historical black legends from Rosa Parks to Barack Obama, and there will even be a kid’s talent show! With so much to do, you better bring the whole family for this fun time!

Live Music

The Lake George bandshell is going to be a hopping place all afternoon, where you can expect to see acts from tons of local and regional talent. Get ready to check out The West Side Band, Joe “Juice” Sutton, a DJ, and more entertainment on stage throughout the day! 

Shared Stories

For one of the most important part of the Juneteenth festival, you can witness local high school students interviewing black women from the St. Cloud community about their experiences, stories, histories and much more. This powerful display will take place on the main stage, and provide a meaningful, powerful look at the lives these women have lived, and the future that hopes to continue their legacies. 

See you there!

St. Cloud Juneteenth takes place on June 17th from 3pm – 9pm at Lake George, downtown St. Cloud. It is put on by the Higher Works Collaborative, along with many fantastic community partners, businesses, and organizations. For more information about the HWC, click here.