Juneteenth Celebration is a community-wide cultural celebration, in its 17th year in Springfield, but also held in towns and communities all across the United States. It marks the day that slaves in Galveston, Texas celebrated their release into freedom.

Locally, festivities kick off on Saturday at 10 a.m. with a parade that includes local groups and organizations. The procession starts at Brown Street and Martin Luther King Drive, moves to Adams Street and MLK Drive, ending at Cox Comer Park.

New this year, according to organizer Mike Williams, is a motorcycle show held 1-5 p.m. with winners in several categories. The bikes will flank MLK Drive from Adams to Washington streets.

Popular attractions for the weekend remain the Marla Jean Hunter Basketball Tournament and live stage acts that take place both days, featuring dancers, poetry and music. Vendors tote food, art and jewelry for purchase.

Sponsor of this popular and growing freedom celebration is One in a Million Inc., a Springfield not-for-profit group whose mission is to move the community toward spiritual, social, racial, political and economic equality.