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LAFAYETTE – The City of LaFayette has partnered with local restaurant Krave Korner to host a Juneteenth block party.

The inspiration for the event comes from an event hosted in Lanett. Alesha Presley, part owner of Krave Korner, recognized an opportunity to host an event similar to Lanett’s and infused the same spirit into LaFayette. Her awareness of the event stemmed from her daughter’s experience running a lemonade stand during Lanett’s event.

After witnessing the participation during the Greater Valley Area Juneteenth celebration, Presley wanted the same for LaFayette. “This would be absolutely amazing if we could do something like this in Lafayette, but no one ever headed it up or got anything going,” Presley added to her impressions of the Lanett event.

Community leaders and officials support the effort to unify LaFayette and its residents. Fostering a strong sense of community where everyone feels welcome.  The success of the 2024 LaFayette Juneteenth Block Party prompted citizens to ask Presley to make the celebration a regularly occurring event. The support of the City of LaFayette and its leaders has helped the event grow and become more established.

This will be the second year that Krave Korner has hosted the event, which is scheduled to feature local vendors, merchants and community services. Krave Korner will also be open with their full menu available for purchase.

The Juneteenth celebration will also feature local barbecue pit masters who will participate in a cook-off.

The block party will feature a wide range of activities for both adults and children, with a dedicated kids’ corner that will host events specifically for children.

Parents will also be able to find local recreational sports sign-ups if they wish for their children to participate this year.

Information booths will be available throughout the block party from various organizations, and Unity Wellness from Opelika will also be in attendance, spreading awareness about HIV/AIDS.

Before the event, a parade will be held throughout the downtown LaFayette area, lasting from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. CST. The parade is an addition this year, with the block party beginning directly after in the parking area behind Krave Korner.