As the nation gears up to celebrate emancipation with Juneteenth, the City of Tempe is readying to both observe and educate in a series of events. Bear in mind that if you're planning on conducting business in the city, you’ll need to do so ahead of time or after the holiday; all administrative offices will be shuttered on Wednesday, June 19, in observance of the holiday.
Looking for something more engaging than a closed sign on the City Hall door? Tempe's History Museum's African American Advisory Committee is set to surely dazzle with their 11th Annual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 15, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., so mark your digital calendars. According to the event's announcement, you can expect a cornucopia of family-friendly endeavors including live performances, storytime, and no shortage of food trucks at your service.
But that's not all – the evening promises to be just as eventful. From 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., Tempe will host a Juneteenth Block Party at the CenterPoint Plaza. Keep your dance moves ready for a DJ, spoken word performances, and a bit of old-school nostalgia with roller skating and double dutch. Let's not forget the BBQ food vendors, for those looking to indulge a little, or the mobile cigar lounge, for those trying to kick back in a puff of luxury.
In case you're wondering about your daily services, take note that police and fire will diligently operate without interruption. Nevertheless, Tempe 311 and Customer Services will take a brief hiatus, so best to file those service request forms online at tempe.gov/311 before the festive break. Tempe Municipal Court? Closed, but not disconnected; online payments can be readily made at tempe.gov/court.
Whether you're looking to get in that last-minute workout or shelve some library books, be prepared for altered schedules. Kiwanis Recreation Center will have its doors open from 12 to 6 p.m., while the Tempe Public Library will be taking a breather for the day. Your trash and recycling pickup will stay the course, unaffected by the festivities.
The day offers more than just a day off or a change in city schedules; it serves as a moment to reflect on a significant chapter in America's history, to celebrate freedom, and to engage with the community in celebration of African American culture and its indelible impact on the nation’s historical fabric. For more on these Juneteenth happenings, grab a glimpse at tempe.gov/Juneteenth.
