POTSDAM -- The first ever Potsdam community-wide Juneteenth Celebration will be held on Saturday, June 20 from 4 to 9 p.m., at the Ives Park Gazebo, behind the Clarkson Inn at 1 Main St. in Potsdam.

The family-friendly event will feature entertainment and activities for all ages. Traditional foods to supplement family picnics will be provided by Big Spoon Kitchen and Blue House, until supplies run out.

Bring your own picnic basket of food, a blanket or chairs, and if you can, a place setting to reduce disposable waste.

Social distancing and masks will be observed. Parking is available in the municipal parking lot across from the Roxie Theater on Main Street.

Funds are being raised for the celebration, which includes the cost of food, entertainment and decorations. Contribute at b.link/celebrationfund.

Organizers hope to make the event an annual community tradition.

The Juneteenth celebration dates back to the day that the news finally arrived in Texas that slavery had ended, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Celebrating June 19, 1865 as "Juneteenth" is part of a tradition recognized by African Americans all around the United States of America.

"It's been a challenging time with the death of George Floyd and so many other senseless deaths. Now more than ever, we need to celebrate our humanity, our desire for freedom - and for true equality for everyone! We will honor the legacy of the eventual end of bondage of our African American brothers and sisters and we encourage all peaceful, caring people to join us in this celebration," said Jennifer Baxtron of Black Lives Matter North Country.

The event details can be found on Facebook at b.link/juneteenth2020.

For more information contact the organizing group at blm.noco@gmail.com.