Free Lunch: Rochester Feeds The City To Celebrate Juneteenth

Diane LaVoie

June 19, 2025

Rochester City Council on Wednesday feted people with free food in downtown.

The city dubbed it freedom, food, and community today in downtown Rochester.

The Juneteenth Block Party was held at Parcel 5.

It was described as a joyful celebration of culture, featuring local vendors, performers, and community organizations.

“Let’s keep that spirit going as we reflect on our past and celebrate our progress,” the city posted on its social pages.

About the author
Diane LaVoie
With over two decades of business journalism experience, Diane LaVoie has been leading our business coverage since 2017. A Nashua native and UNH graduate, Diane spent ten years at the Boston Globe covering regional economics before returning to her home state to raise her family. Her specialty is connecting national economic trends to local impacts, making complex financial news accessible to everyday readers. Diane has developed a respected column, "Granite State Business," featuring profiles of local entrepreneurs and analyzing economic development in New Hampshire's diverse communities from the North Country to the Massachusetts border. She serves on the board of the New Hampshire Small Business Development Center and frequently speaks at community events about the state's economic outlook. Outside of work, Diane is an avid gardener, cookbook collector, and youth soccer coach. She lives in Bedford with her husband and twin daughters.