West Marion Community Forum, Inc. will be hosting the inaugural Juneteenth Freedom Festival in McDowell County on Friday, June 17 to Sunday, June 19.  The event will take place at various locations in McDowell County.  Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States.  All are invited to attend and build community.

On Friday, Juneteenth Field Day will take place at Lake James State Park Paddy's Creek.  On Saturday and Sunday, events will take place at the West Marion Community Park.  Saturday evening, the Juneteenth Pageant will be held at McDowell Technical Community College.