Five Towns Unite To Celebrate Juneteenth At Simsbury Meadows

Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center

SIMSBURY, CT — The best in Black food, brews, and music comes alive at a unique Juneteenth celebration in Simsbury on Saturday, June 15, called "Rhythm and Brews."

The Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center, 22 Iron Horse Blvd., Simsbury, will host the Rhythm & Brews Juneteenth Celebration from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 15.

The event is a byproduct of the work of five suburban towns in the Farmington Valley – Avon, Canton, Farmington, Granby, and Simsbury.

“We are very excited to have five towns collaborating on this fun-filled Juneteenth celebration," said Nicole Kodak, co-chair of Simsbury’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Council.

“Feel the beat of freedom and fun at the bigger 2024 Rhythm & Brews Juneteenth celebration with a day of live music, food trucks, and LEGO® themed family-friendly entertainment as we celebrate freedom in America.”

Juneteenth is a national holiday recognized on June 19 and it commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S.

This free community event showcases performances by Nekita Waller, Damian Curtis, the Afro Cuban Jazz Project, and Magic Soul Drumline.

Meanwhile, children of all ages can experience the world’s largest LEGO Black Brick Play Zone and full-sized LEGO Black Panther Photo Zone, courtesy of LEGO Systems, Inc.

Brewmaster Alisa Bowens-Mercado, owner of CT’s Rhythm Brewing Co, will host her unique “Sips & Salsa” with beer tasting and a brief salsa lesson.

Guests may also experience the best in Black cuisine by purchasing from onsite food trucks: Southern Bell Soul Food; Soulfully Vegan; and Ice Cream Dream.

In addition, the Simsbury Meadows pub will also be open.

Visitors can stop by an on-site history tent, which will provide education on Black enslavement and freedom in the Farmington Valley.

Carol Clark-Flanagan, a history faculty member at Ethel Walker School, Simsbury’s Jennifer Lopez, and the historical societies from the five towns.

The event is sponsored by Eversource Energy, Simsbury Main Street Partnership, Northwest Community Bank, Lamar Outdoor Advertising, iHeartmedia, Elkinson + Sloves, Inc., XL Color/Allied Printing Services, and the towns of Avon, Canton, Farmington, Granby, and Simsbury.

“Our goal is both educate a wider audience and celebrate together the importance of Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery on June 19, 1865,” said Kodak. “Juneteenth is a great time to gather together and celebrate freedom for all of us.”

For more information, visit Simsbury Meadows.org.