Food, Music, More Planned For Delco's Juneteenth Celebration Wednesday

MEDIA, PA — Delaware County is inviting residents to celebrate Juneteenth Wednesday in Rose Tree Park.

The third annual Juneteenth Celebration will begin at 4 p.m. in the park, 1671 N. Providence Road in Media.

Vendors and food trucks will open at 4 p.m. and then at 5:30 p.m. a ceremony will be held on the mall area. Philly Gumbo will perform on the main stage at 7:30 p.m.

The day will feature live music, activities for kids and families, food, resources for the community,
talented local vendors, and more.

In addition to Philly Gumbo's headlining performance, the celebration will feature artistic performances from local residents and groups.

The celebration will also showcase some of Delaware County’s local business owners selling artwork, jewelry, and crafts along with, food trucks, and resources from local organizations across the county.

The event is free for residents of all ages and will be held rain or shine.

"We are absolutely thrilled to announce the County’s third annual Juneteenth Celebration in Rose
Tree Park," Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor said. "Our Juneteenth celebration serves as a day for residents to celebrate the ending of slavery in the United States and an opportunity for our entire community to learn more about African American history, which will contribute to a deeper understanding of the experiences that have shaped African Americans and our country."

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of both the Civil War and slavery. General Granger’s announcement put into effect the Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln, which had legally freed slaves on January 1, 1863, almost two-and-half years earlier. Many slaves, particularly in Texas and other southwestern states, were not informed of the Emancipation Proclamation until General Granger’s announcement.

More information about Delaware County’s Juneteenth Celebration is available online here.