Summer is months away but organizers of Solano County’s only free community-wide Juneteenth Celebration are already planning the 23rd annual event scheduled for Saturday, June 18, 2011 from 11-6 at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park in downtown Vallejo. The celebration was recently named one of the top five community events in 2010 by the Vallejo Times-Herald. The event theme for the historic observance is “Creating healthy communities through education and empowerment.” Organizers say the celebration will focus on self-development and making informed choices by providing access to a variety of community resources and services that help families live better. “This event is about celebrating th

This weekend was the 9th Annual Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom honoring the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln. It marked freedom from slavery for African Americans. Locally to honor the occasion there was a one-mile run/walk event, a parade, Community Soldier Awards, a talent show, historical re-enactments, a fishing derby for kids and a gospel extravaganza on Sunday. I spent a couple of hours at Juneteenth on Sunday. Here's some shots of my time there: Ms. Black readies herself to be emcee.   Karen Bradshaw sang and acted out a gospel song. Adrianna Beckham is actually enjoying herself. Lolita Moore, BMI award recipient for Sounds of S

Sacramento's Juneteenth festival joined the ranks of other American cities to celebrate, as well as educate the community on one of America's most important acts of legislation, the Emancipation Proclamation. Signed into law in 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation declared that all those enslaved were now free. It's sponsore by Sacramento Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau. For more details, visit: http://sacramento365.com/event/detail/36105 Photos | Kati Garner A young festival goer looks at an historical display related to the Celebration of Freedom weekend.     Veronica Nailon, Jessica Gregory and the crowd respond to Joseph Jordan onstage.   Joseph Jordan sings

It has never occurred to me that Father's Day weekend always happens at the same time as the summer solstice. Is that by coincidence? The longest, sunniest day of the year falls on the weekend that we celebrate our Dad's. That's kind of cool! At least for those of us who celebrate them. Otherwise, think of it as an extended day for you to be having fun! This weekend is packed with family friendly events for the whole family to enjoy at budget friendly prices. There are a few things I've mentioned that are a little more pricey... but they sound so fun! Whatever your budget is and whomever you'd like to spend your time with, check out what this weekend has in store. Thursday 6.18 Class: Sm