The City of Lathrop is gearing up for two big celebrations in the coming weeks.

The first will take place on Wednesday, June 19, with Juneteenth, a celebration of culture and freedom.

Juneteenth is a federal holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S. after the Civil War.

The local celebration will take place at the Lathrop Generations Center, 450 Spartan Way, from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Featured will be live entertainment, food trucks, various vendors, and the spoken word.

On Monday, July 1, the City of Lathrop will enjoy a Birthday Celebration beginning at 6 p.m. at the Lathrop Generations Center.

This will mark 35 years of the city’s incorporation, which took place in 1989 – the first General Plan was adopted in 1991.

Today, Lathrop is ranked fifth among the nation’s fastest-growing cities, with its population increasing 13.6 percent in recent years, to just over 39,000 currently. 

The Birthday Celebration will once again feature the aerial fireworks show beginning at about 9:30 p.m.

But before that, those in attendance can enjoy the various food trucks, vendors, carnival games, rides, and inflatable slides and bounce houses.

Entertainment will include a music performance from the band Thunder Cover.

For more information, log on to www.ci.lathrop.ca.us or call 209.941.7372.