DOTHAN, Ala. (WDHN) — Hundreds of people visited Downtown Dothan on Saturday morning to celebrate Juneteenth.

People of all ages made sure to get their seats before the third annual Juneteenth Parade.

Bands, dancers, sports cars, and other organizations paraded down Foster Street to celebrate, before rolling down St. Andrews Street to end the parade route.

For years Juneteenth celebrations have been a way to commemorate the end of slavery for African Americans, but for the Tri-State Expo, it’s also about recognizing the past while also looking to the future.

A holiday celebrated on June 19, got an early start in the Circle City. An event that organizers say continues to grow year after year.

“We appreciate when someone takes the time to set something up to remember our people, meaning black people, our history, and what it means to us,” Longtime Dothan resident, Alice Jackson said. “The city of Dothan is now recognizing this holiday and because of that we feel we needed to come and support the event.”

This year’s Grand Marshal of the parade was Otis “Viper” Smith. He is a retired Command Sergeant Major who served 34 years of active federal service.

Admission was free, but donations were also welcomed.