Taste of the Junction will host its 13th annual Multicultural Festival Thursday through Saturday in Valley Junction. The three-day festival celebrates the histories and cultures of the community’s founding African American, Mexican, Serbian and European residents. This year’s events include The Junction Speaks on Thursday at Tallgrass Theatre honoring descendant families, Jazzin’ in the Junction on Friday featuring spoken word and live jazz, and the Multicultural Street Festival with food vendors, cultural activities and live music. The festival is funded by a $10,000 Community Betterment grant from Prairie Meadows, according to a news release. “We are grateful to Prairie Meadows for their support of our mission,” Rachelle Long, Taste of the Junction executive director, said in a prepared statement. “Our annual Multicultural Festival celebrates the unity and solidarity of the community founders by curating and sharing the histories of the people of Valley Junction.” For more information or to view a lineup of events, visit the Taste of the Junction website.