“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.  Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” – Martin Luther King, Jr. *** 2021 – Due to COVID-19 we are having a modified celebration where we encourage neighbors to put out luminaries and connect with each other virtually. Please contact our office (19thward@19wca.org) to set up a contactless pickup of a luminary kit – $5 suggested donation.*** Each year in honor of Martin Luther King Day, neighbors in the 19th Ward light up the night with luminaries. Luminaries are simple to make with a milk jug or paper bag, a weight, and a candle. Kits are also sold at neighborhood businesses like Menezes Pizza, and Brue Coffee. Celebrate with your neighbors by visiting one of the hot chocolate stands or bonfires around the neighborhood or host your own!

Happening March 25th, 2023 from 2-4pm at Genesee Valley Park Skating Rink. Please contact the office if you have questions.

For over 25 years, it has been a winter custom to have potluck dinners throughout the 19th Ward, bringing together old and new neighbors, for an evening to celebrate community. A host will sign up and volunteer to have as many guests as can fit around the table. The week before the event he/she will call guests and tell them what to bring–appetizer, wine, salad, etc. and what time to arrive. In the past there have been games, singing, and discussions; always lively, always fun. This is a great way to welcome new neighbors to the 19th Ward!

The first Saturday in June, the 19th Ward Community Association hosts the Square Fair, a neighborhood festival celebrating community. The event is held in Aberdeen Square Park and it includes a lively parade, delicious pancake breakfast, games and activities for kids, local vendors, and performances throughout the day. We invite everyone to join us!

Every year, we celebrate citizens and merchants making a difference in our neighborhood by awarding, citizen and merchant of the year, as well as a hall of fame award. Please come and support our winners and our neighborhood! The dinner is held each year in September. Citizen of the Year – to a person who has made significant contributions to our community and made it a better place to live. Merchant of the Year – to a local merchant who has contributed most to our well-being as a community. Hall of Fame Award – to a person or organization that is impacting the 19th Ward in a positive way through promotion, encouragement and the improvement of neighborhood unity. The Selection Committee accepts nominations until August 1st. Download the nomination form here and email it to our office manager.

The 19th Ward Community Association hosts an Annual Convention each November. It begins with pizza, and a silent auction followed by a meeting to elect officers and vote on the next budget. Everyone is welcome but only registered members of the 19th Ward Community Association are eligible to vote on official business.