North Minneapolis will host two Juneteenth observances Saturday to celebrate the end of slavery.

The Minneapolis Park Board is hosting a community event beginning at 9:45 a.m. at Bethune Park, 1304 10th Av. N. Twin Cities Juneteenth will celebrate at Jenny Lind Elementary School, 5025 Bryant Av. N. Both events will feature food, music and activities for all ages.

The events commemorate June 19, 1865, the date when slaves in Texas finally received word of the Emancipation Proclamation that made all slaves free.

Minneapolis has been home to the one of the largest Juneteenth celebrations in the country.

What started as a low-key gathering in north Minneapolis more than 30 years ago has become a bustling event drawing thousands of people to the North Side.

"The history of Juneteenth has grown," said Twin Cities Juneteenth president Mary Pargo.

"There's something about the legacy being bestowed upon the younger people that makes this really special," said Pargo, who has volunteered with the organization for more than 15 years. "Juneteenth is something to be proud of."

Karen Zamora • 612-673-4647 Twitter: @KarenAnelZamora