Linda Harris JUNETEENTH — Are residents marched through downtown Steubenville during last year’s Juneteenth parade. Linda Harris

STEUBENVILLE — This year’s Juneteenth celebration will be held June 19-20, marking a decade of growth for an event that began as a small church parking lot gathering in 2016 and has since become a citywide tradition featuring a parade, performances and community festivities.

What started in 2016 on South Eighth Street in the Second Baptist Church parking lot has expanded into a full-scale celebration organized by the Second Baptist Church Women’s Ministry, “Sisters Bound By Christ.”

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of slavery. The moment came more than two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation and marked the effective end of slavery in the United States. It is now a recognized federal holiday.

The inaugural city event was led by William and Sheila Hendricks, Pastor Marvin Barner Jr. and the congregation, with support from city leaders and sponsors including Trinity Healthcare.

Now in its 10th year, the celebration continues to grow, with a parade beginning at the Fort Steuben project and ending at Second Baptist Church.

“This 10th year is pivotal to the success of a city uniting, no matter race, color or creed,” organizers said. “We are Steubenville celebrating Juneteenth.”

Events will include food, craft and informational booths, youth activities, music, fellowship and laughter, along with vocal and musical performances Friday and Saturday evenings.

The parade will kick off at noon June 19, with festivities running through 8 p.m. both June 19 and June 20.

Organizers said everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.