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SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- A flag-raising marked the kickoff of the Juneteenth Festival in Syracuse. Now in its 25th year, the event celebrates African-American culture with music, food, crafts, and more.

Juneteenth commemorates the date in 1865 when slaves in Texas finally received word of the Emancipation Proclamation.

"It was actually two and a half years later before the slaves in Texas found out that they were free. So on June 19th, or close to that date, we like to celebrate. That's something that we hope we never stop doing," said Kevin Henry, Juneteenth Festival Vice President.

This weekend's events include a family day at Jubilee Park from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday. A parade kicks off Saturday’s festivities at noon, marching from Dr. King School to Clinton Square.