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Good afternoon,
Read below for information about the Juneteenth holiday and celebrations, Independence Park upgrades, the Starlight Movie and Food Truck Fest, and more!

Celebrate and honor Juneteenth this weekend
Honor Juneteenth with our annual parade and celebrations on Saturday.
Parade: Start the celebration by watching or joining the Freedom Parade, stepping off at 11 a.m. from its new starting point at Dempster St. and Dodge Ave., and continuing to Ingraham Park (behind 2100 Ridge Ave.)
Celebration: Following the parade, join the City between noon and 4 p.m., at Ingraham Park for A Divine Nine Juneteenth Celebration. Enjoy live music, spoken word, performances by the Divine Nine and Ayodele Drum & Dance, kids' activities, food, artisan vendors, and more!
Holiday Hours: The City has announced facility closures and service schedules for the Juneteenth holiday on Thursday, June 19.
 Independence Park reopens with upgrades
On Saturday morning, the City held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly renovated Independence Park. As families played on the new playground equipment, attendees listened to remarks from former Councilmember Revelle, Mayor Biss, and Angela Shaffer. Upgrades include new playground equipment, pathways, an outdoor stage area, LED lighting, and landscaping. Get out and enjoy the beautiful park this summer.
 Wicked good Food Truck Fest and Starlight movie
Join us at Ingraham Park (behind 2100 Ridge Ave.) on Fri., June 27, for a 'wicked good' time! Grab your favorite bites from a variety of local food trucks starting at 5:30 p.m., then stick around for a free outdoor showing of Wicked (2024) at 6 p.m. Bring a blanket, bring your friends and family, and come hungry!
Food vendors include Firehouse Grill & Bluestone, Yum Dum, Pinoy Grill, La Cocinita, Soul & Smoke, C&W Ice Cream Parlor and more. More info.
 Weekend happenings
Enjoy Cars and Coffee with Downtown Evanston: This new event will bring families and car lovers together to enjoy vintage car displays and grab coffee from Outside Coffee. Sundays, June 22, July 13, and August 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the event takes place behind the Evanston Public Library.
Ready for a new furry friend? Join Paws & Claws for their first-ever cat adoption event this weekend, June 20 and 21, at the Paws and Claws Cat Adoption Center, 829 Chicago Ave. With over 75 cats ready for adoption, walk-ins are welcome!
Stroll through unique gardens: Join the Evanston Environmental Association for the 35th Evanston Garden Walk on Sun., June 22, from noon to 5 p.m. Walk through some of the most beautiful and creative gardens Evanston has to offer. Grab your tickets.
More News and Events
Curious about construction going on in Evanston?
The City has a live construction map with information about construction projects and timelines. Stay in the know about construction projects in Evanston by signing up for Construction and Traffic Updates to receive email or text alerts.
Save the Date: Main Street Fair, June 28
Evanston’s new Main Street Fair will revive the spirit of the beloved Custer Street Fair with a full day of art, music, food, and family fun on Sat., June 28, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Enjoy 100+ artisans, a kids and teens area, a Youth Marketplace, and live music on three stages.
Land Use Commission’s Plan amendments released
The Land Use Commission’s proposed amendments to the draft comprehensive plan have been released. The recommended content will be discussed at a special City Council meeting on Tues., June 24, at 7 p.m. at Morton City Hall (909 Davis St.). You can share feedback in person at the meeting or via our online public comment form. Learn more.
"Evanston Recycles" returns June 28
The City’s Evanston Recycles event returns on Sat., June 28, from 9 a.m. to noon at Evanston Township High School. This free, “drive-up, drop-off” event offers residents the opportunity to recycle electronics, securely shred documents, and dispose of unused medications. Learn more.
Help for home repairs available
The City offers a Housing Rehabilitation Program to support income-eligible residents with critical home repairs. Eligible single-family homes (valued up to $540,000) and condominiums (valued up to $252,000) may qualify for loans of up to $50,000 to improve safety, accessibility, and livability. Learn more: call 224-307-6192 or email housingrehab@cityofevanston.org.
Get Engaged
Community Calendar
That’s it for today's e-news. Thanks for reading!
Sincerely,
The City of Evanston Communications Team
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