Although Juneteenth was on Wednesday, the celebrations are continuing in the Capital Region.

The Hamilton Hill Arts Center’s two-day Juneteenth celebration kicks off Friday evening. The free festival is expected to draw nearly a thousand people, according to organizer Miki Conn.

This is the 24^th year for the event. Conn said she started the festival after speaking with a friend from Syracuse who told her that they should have a Juneteenth festival. Conn didn’t know about Juneteenth at that time but dove into the issue and worked to create an event that the whole family can enjoy.

On Friday, people will gather at Vale Cemetery at 6 p.m. for a two-hour educational program to honor their ancestors and then an ice cream social at 8 p.m.

Then, on Saturday, there will be a parade starting from the Central Park Rose Garden at 1 p.m. with the big celebration at the park at 1:30 p.m.

Entertainment includes the gospel stylings of Geri Howard, Hair Show by Darrell Mitchell and headliner George Boone Blues Band.

There will be informational workshops, food vendors, crafts, children’s activities and more.

Learn what the organizers hope that attendees will gain from the event by watching video of Faith King’s story.