Hundreds of people came out to Denton Green Park Monday for the Village of Hempstead's Juneteenth celebration.

The event included live performances, storytelling, crafts and more.

Mayor Waylyn Hobbs Jr. says the day is one for everyone in the country to recognize.

"Celebrate our freedom, as a nation, not just as African Americans, but that we live in a country where we have the freedom to pursue our goals and dreams and that's why we are excited about it," Hobbs Jr. says.

Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned they had been freed. It occurred two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

Historians were also on hand to share stories, traditional foods and local crafts.

"It's a great thing to see the diversity here and seeing so many people out and coming together for a great occasion," says Rodney Fennell, of Freeport, who attended the event for the first time.

Parents also brought their kids to the Long Island Children's Museum to work on crafts that sparked a conversation about slavery in America and introduced them to the importance of the holiday.

"I want my own kids to understand the importance of Juneteenth," said Irene Lew.

The mayor says police officers were there talking to young people about careers in law enforcement. He says it's a great opportunity to bring the community and police officers together.