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Remake Learning Days - 5th Anniversary

Arcadia Housing Authority Helps Families Learn, Connect, and Explore During the 5th Anniversary of Suncoast Remake Learning Days. A Celebration of Learning Launched in 2016, Remake Learning Days is a celebration of learning that brings together schools, museums, libraries, after-school organizations, early childcare centers, parks, universities, media centers, technology startups, and many other community organizations to create engaging educational experiences for children and families. Designed for youth of all ages-from Pre-K through high school-as well as their families, caregivers, and educators, Remake Learning Days events are hands-on, relevant, and fun. Events are free and open to the public, providing opportunities for children and adults to learn side-by-side. The festival is rooted in the belief that children become more interested in learning when a caring adult is learning alongside them. As a result, events encourage families to wonder, discover, create, and explore together. In 2019, Remake Learning Days began expanding beyond its original region, taking root in communities across the United States and internationally. By 2025, the festival celebrated its 10th anniversary with events taking place in 15 regions around the world. Remake Learning Days is powered by Remake Learning, with the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh serving as its fiscal sponsor. Celebrating Five Years on the Suncoast In 2026, the Suncoast region celebrated the 5th Anniversary of Suncoast Remake Learning Days. What began in 2022 as a 10-day festival featuring approximately 150 events and 10,000 attendees has grown into a 15-day region-wide celebration of learning spanning Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties. The 2026 festival set a new attendance record, welcoming more than 51,800 participants to 380 hands-on learning experiences during the 15-day festival. Families explored science, technology, arts, outdoor learning, maker activities, and countless opportunities to discover new interests and strengthen connections within their communities. Arcadia Housing Authority Creates Memorable Experiences for FamiliesUnder the leadership of Becky Sue Mercer, the Arcadia Housing Authority played an important role in this milestone year by hosting two highly successful family-friendly learning events that welcomed more than 330 participants. Barnyard Bash at AHA - April 23, 2026 The Arcadia Housing Authority transformed its grounds into an interactive farm experience during Barnyard Bash at AHA. The free event welcomed 216 participants and provided children and families with opportunities to pet baby cows, play with goats, learn about animal care, and even try milking an 800lb cow. Families also had the opportunity to speak with a veterinarian, ask questions about animals, and participate in hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity and learning. Combined with free food and a welcoming atmosphere, Barnyard Bash offered a unique educational experience that connected families with the natural world. DJ Day at AHA - April 30, 2026 One week later, 123 participants attended DJ Day at AHA, an engaging workshop that introduced youth to the fundamentals of DJing and music production. Through two interactive DJ stations, participants learned beat matching, cue points, timing, song transitions, and equipment operation while gaining exposure to entrepreneurship opportunities within the entertainment industry. The event blended creativity, technology, and career exploration, giving young people an opportunity to develop new skills while having fun. Building Community Through Learning The Arcadia Housing Authority's participation in Suncoast Remake Learning Days demonstrates the power of community organizations to create meaningful learning opportunities close to home. Through events like Barnyard Bash and DJ Day, families were able to explore new interests, connect with neighbors, and experience the joy of learning together. The leadership of Becky Sue Mercer, Executive Director and the Arcadia Housing Authority team helped make the 5th Anniversary of Suncoast Remake Learning Days a success while creating memorable experiences for local children and families. Their efforts exemplify the spirit of Remake Learning Days-bringing people together through curiosity, discovery, and the belief that learning can happen anywhere For additional photos from Remake Learning Days 2026, click here.  

Jun 15, 2026
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Juneteenth (Observed Friday, June 19, 2026)

What does Juneteenth celebrate?Juneteenth is a holiday commemorating the freedom of the slaves in the United States. The name Juneteenth is a combination of the words June and nineteenth. The day is also called Emancipation Day and Freedom Day. In 2021, President Joe Biden signed a bill that was passed by Congress to set aside Juneteenth, or June 19th, as a federal holiday. Who celebrates this day?The day is celebrated in the United States primarily by African-Americans. It is most celebrated in Texas, where it has been an official state holiday since 1980. Many other states recognize the day as either an official holiday or observance. What do people do to celebrate?There are a number of different ways that people celebrate the day including parades, marches, and barbecues. Many people get together for ceremonies that include public service awards, prayer, and the raising of the Juneteenth Flag. Government and educational facilities will often have programs or information regarding the history of the holiday and the Emancipation Proclamation. It's also a time for African-Americans to celebrate their heritage. History of JuneteenthThe Emancipation Proclamation was issued by Abraham Lincoln on September 22, 1862. It went into effect on January 1, 1863. However, slaves were not set free in the Confederacy until Union army was able to come in and take over. On June 18, 1865 the Union army arrived in Galveston, Texas. The next day, June 19, General Gordon Granger announced that the slaves in Texas were free by order of the president of the United States. The former slaves in Galveston celebrated the day that they were set free. The first Juneteenth celebration took place the very next year. The annual celebration began to spread throughout Texas and surrounding states. However, it became less popular in the early 1900's. It became popular once again in the 1950's and 1960's. In 1980 it became an official state holiday in Texas. There is currently a movement to get the day recognized on a national level. Interesting Facts about Juneteenth It is the oldest known holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the US. Juneteenth is the title of a book by author Ralph Ellison. Other books by Carolyn Meyer and Ann Rinaldi also center around the day. Some cities and groups have Miss Juneteenth contests. Strawberry soda pop was once a popular drink associated with celebrating the day. There is a Juneteenth Flag of Freedom. It is half red and half blue with a star in the middle. Each year a Juneteenth Flag raising ceremony is held in Galveston.

Jun 12, 2026
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Arcadia Housing Authority

Arcadia, Florida

Serving the Community One Family at a Time

Since October of 1962, AHA has been serving the Arcadia area. AHA's goals are to ensure equal opportunities in housing free from discrimination and provide residents the opportunity to achieve self-sufficiency.

The Arcadia Housing Authority (AHA) provides safe, affordable housing to low-income families as they strive to improve the quality of their lives and the community through the Public Housing Program. AHA manages 130 units in the City of Arcadia. The City of Arcadia is in DeSoto County, centrally located between Orlando, Ft. Myers, Sarasota, and Lake Okeechobee.

Learn more about Arcadia Housing and our area here. AHA Resident Services provides residents access to community resources, assisting with locating enrichment services, and more.

Map of Florida showing the location of Arcadia, Florida
Serving the City of
Arcadia, Florida