People in the City of Good Neighbors are celebrating a major moment in American history this weekend. 

While the Emancipation Proclamation took effect in 1863, the news didn't arrive in Texas until June 19, 1865⁠— the day many recognize as the end of slavery in the U.S.

The 44th annual Juneteenth Festival in Buffalo kicked off on Saturday with a parade leading into Martin Luther King, Jr. Park. Organizers say it's a celebration of freedom, family, remembrance and a day to educate the youth. 

“There are times when you don’t feel like things are going the way they should in this country and knowing we have a celebration to show our youth that things can better and we are exceptional, we cherish that," festival board member Ronald Draffin said. 

The festival continues until 8 p.m. on Saturday, and again 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. It's the biggest festival of its kind in the nation, according to organizers.