Juneteenth Red Food Workshop

Strawberry Jam and Pickled Beets

In collaboration with Herkimer County Cornell Cooperative Extension with generous funding from the Adirondack Community Foundation

The Old Forge Library will host its second annual Juneteenth celebration this June, continuing a growing community tradition centered on history, food, music, and connection.
In 2024, the library organized the first Juneteenth celebration in the West Central Adirondack region. Nearly 90 people gathered to share a traditional barbecue meal, learn about the history of the holiday, and celebrate together. For many attendees, it was their first opportunity to participate in a Juneteenth event.

While Juneteenth has been celebrated for generations, it has become a newer public tradition in many Northern communities since being designated a federal holiday in 2021. Organizers say the Old Forge celebration is rooted in neighbors coming together to honor freedom, resilience, and community.

Juneteenth programming at the library has received support from the Association for Rural & Small Libraries, the Equity Grant Round at the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, and the Adirondack Community Foundation’s Generous Acts Fund.

Red Food Workshop: The Art of Preservation
Wednesday, June 17 at 5pm

The library will partner with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Herkimer County for a hands-on workshop making beet salad and exploring the traditions and meaning behind red foods, which are often associated with Juneteenth celebrations and symbolize resilience and strength. CCE will also distribute beet seeds and seedlings for participants to grow at home.
Participants will also make strawberry jam to take home while learning more about food preservation traditions connected to the holiday. The workshop is free and open to the public. Registrations are appreciated for planning purposes.
Barbecue and Blues: A Community Celebration
Thursday, June 18 at 4 pm

The library’s main Juneteenth event, “Barbecue and Blues,” will return with a family friendly cookout on the library lawn. Guests can enjoy grilled favorites, potato salad, and classic summer dishes while gathering with friends and neighbors.
Live music will be provided by local performers Gwen and Jim Tracy. The afternoon will also include a community reading, educational giveaways, and activities for children.
Often called “Freedom Day,” Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day enslaved people in Texas learned they were free, more than two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Today, the holiday is recognized nationally as a time to honor African American history, culture, and resilience.

Library staff say they look forward to welcoming the community together again for another year of food, music, and fellowship. The event is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy an evening of food, music, and community celebration. Call the library at 315-369-6008 or stop in to learn more or to register for either event.

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