Sip on some freshly squeezed lemonade and join neighborhood families in a celebration and fundraiser for Charcoal Park.

The fundraiser is from 6 to 9 p.m. June 19 at Charcoal Park, 2727 Fruitvale Ave., in Oakland's Fruitvale district. The event will feature performances by neighborhood groups the Missing Cousins and Luther Monday & the Magic Hammer. There is a $5 donation to the garden in return for live music, fresh salads and lemonade.

This community fundraiser is designed to provide improved summer programs that get children outside and moving. The garden also needs new planter boxes and vegetables, and volunteers are always wanted and welcomed.

"We want this to be a place where they can get off the streets, read a book and plant," said Shirley Everett-Dicko, the owner and founder of Charcoal Park.

The community garden - which opened in April on Earth Day - was designed to help children get their hands dirty. Along with 17 fruit trees on the property, this unique outdoor space can accommodate as many as 70 people and has been used as a forum for community meetings and free movie nights.

In addition to a large garden, Charcoal Park is home to a shop that is more museum than gift store. Cool antiques like old typewriters, washing machines and televisions draw attention across generations.

"It's a great way to teach history ... to actually touch it, see it," Everett-Dicko said.