STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
Le’Braun Cares is preparing to host its first Juneteenth-themed community festival this Saturday, June 13, in downtown Cave City, with a focus on mental health, substance abuse and suicide awareness.
Event organizers said the family-friendly gathering is designed to honor a friend named Le’Braun by continuing his legacy of giving back and putting others first.
The festival is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. on June 13 on the block surrounding the downtown gazebo in Cave City. The opening ceremony will include a veterans’ recognition and an invitation for active duty military members and veterans to be part of the program.
Families attending the event can expect a carnival-style atmosphere with games and activities for children. There will be two bouncy houses, tickets for various games and other activities geared toward getting neighbors to interact and have fun together. Food will be available, and organizers said people should come ready to eat and fellowship.
A package for attendees will include tickets for games, access to the bouncy houses and a bracelet that supports the organization and keeps Le’Braun’s name visible throughout the day.
Live entertainment will feature praise and worship music. The lineup includes Divine Miracles/Le’Braun’s Angels and headliner Chris Whitney and family. Whitney serves as pastor at Friendship Baptist Church in Horse Cave, and some members of the group are from Horse Cave and Cave City.
Leaders described Le’Braun Cares as a faith-based nonprofit, which they said sets it apart from some other organizations. The group formed less than a year ago and they have already seen more people in the area working to raise awareness of mental health needs.
The festival will also highlight local support and recovery resources.
Community partners, including recovery houses, Alliance Counseling Associates and LifeSkills, plan to set up booths so residents can learn what services are available. The goal is to let people know that help exists close to home and that no one has to struggle alone with mental health challenges, substance use or thoughts of suicide.
They are working to break the stigma around asking for help by combining serious messages with a joyful community gathering.
Residents are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for the concert portion of the day, although bleachers will be available. The street around the gazebo and nearby businesses is expected to be blocked off to make room for the stages, booths and activities.
Volunteers and board members with Le’Braun Cares will help run the games and at least two of the group’s board members have agreed to take turns in a dunk tank. They hope for good weather and a large turnout to support the cause and remember the joy Le’Braun brought to those around him.
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