(KAIR)--The Atchison Juneteenth Committee will be hosting their tenth annual celebration this weekend with events designed to celebrate African-American history and culture.

Committee Treasurer Don Bratton says the activities will be spread out over a three day period, starting with a kick off event on Friday. Bratton says “this is where we are going to have people down at the Atchison Riverfront that are going to be playing music, and we want everyone to come out and celebrate.” The fun continues on Saturday with a parade starting a noon, which will be followed by the Juneteenth program as well as games and festivities throughout the day. The celebration will wrap up on Sunday with Sunday School, church, and a gospel program.

Bratton says the addition of events on Friday is something new this year. He says that “we just want to keep adding...it keeps getting bigger and bigger each year. So we just wanted everyone to have that extra day to just kind of get the fellowship. That's what it is all about.”

Bratton adds there is a special meaning behind the celebration saying that “Juneteenth celebrates the African-American freedom, with an emphasis on education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas a month marked with celebrations. So this is why we celebrate.”

The Friday Juneteenth Jump Off event will take place at the Atchison Riverfront, while Saturday and Sunday's events will be held at L.F.M. Park. Bratton adds that everything, including food, and entertainment is free, and everyone is invited to attend.