LONGVIEW, Texas (KLTV) - Morning rain did not stop Longview's day of celebration as the city continued over 40 years of Juneteenth events with the community.

For some, it was their first time celebrating at the Broughton Recreation Center.

For others, a yearly tradition."I've been since I was 7 years old. I'm 33. I've been all my life. This is my favorite holiday. Forget Christmas. Forget Thanksgiving. Forget my birthday," said Tiara Davis, who was born and raised in Longview."Just look at everybody out here finally gathering together and just seeing everyone in a positive way," said Kendrick Burns with his family.