Aiken residents are invited to celebrate history and heritage at the annual Juneteenth celebration June 20.
The event is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Perry Park, 720 Abbeville Ave.
Jo-Anne Saunders, the executive director of the Center for African American History, Arts and Culture, said the day marks the ending of slavery.
The celebration dates back to June 19, 1865, when the Union soldiers stopped in Galveston, Texas, with news that the war had ended and all slaves were now free, according to www.juneteenth.com.
Today, thousands across the United States come together to remember that day, according to the website.
"What we're doing is, No. 1, celebrating our heritage; and, No. 2, educating people on the day who might not know about it," Saunders said.
Aiken's Juneteenth celebration will include food vendors, choirs, a children's area, African drums and more.
"It's going to be a great day for people to come out, all free, and with a wonderful kid's area," Saunders said. "It's just going to be a great family event, so everyone bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the festival."
For more information about the event, visit www. aikenculturalcenter.org or call 706-664-3989.
Maayan Schechter is the local government reporter with Aiken Standard. Follow her on Twitter @MaayanSchechter.