Kathryn Scott, The Denver PostBefore the start of the parade, Christina Hughes, center, and other members of GirlTrek rehearse their moves. Participants in the Juneteenth Music Festival and parade make their way down E. 26th Ave. on June 17, 2017 in Denver. Organizers say its one of Denver's longest running parades dating back to the 1950's where "nearly 3,000 people march to honor the struggles and social progress achieved through marches and demonstrations organized for freedom, justice, and equality in our countryÕs history". This year's theme for the event is Dream Big.
Kathryn Scott, The Denver PostDancers from Samba Colorado, left to right, Tania Bibbo, Alina Mateo, and Tajah Schall rehearse their moves before the start of the parade. Participants in the Juneteenth Music Festival and parade make their way down E. 26th Ave. on June 17, 2017 in Denver, Colorado.
Kathryn Scott, The Denver PostKaliah Gude, 5, gets some dazzle before her parade performance with the Dazzling Diamonds. Participants in the Juneteenth Music Festival and parade make their way down E. 26th Ave. on June 17, 2017 in Denver, Colorado.
Kathryn Scott, The Denver PostMembers of the color guard from the American Legion Post 29 lead the way for participants in the Juneteenth Music Festival and parade as they make their way down E. 26th Ave. on June 17, 2017 in Denver, Colorado.
Kathryn Scott, The Denver PostMiss Teen Black Colorado Genesis Oats, 17, left, Miss Black Universe 2017, Michaela Jones, 28, and Miss Black Colorado Universe Lesley Pace, 25, right, join participants in the Juneteenth Music Festival and parade as they make their way down E. 26th Ave. on June 17, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. Organizers say its one of Denver's longest running parades dating back to the 1950's where "nearly 3,000 people march to honor the struggles and social progress achieved through marches and demonstrations organized for freedom, justice, and equality in our countryÕs history". This year's theme for the event is Dream Big. (Photo by Kathryn Scott/The Denver Post)
Kathryn Scott, The Denver PostMiss Strive Queen 2017, Rose Esnault, 18, left, leads the way for Miss Juneteenth Denver Sean-Maree Swinger-Otey, 19, as she walks with members from GirlTrek. Participants in the Juneteenth Music Festival and parade make their way down E. 26th Ave. on June 17, 2017 in Denver, Colorado.
Kathryn Scott, The Denver PostMiss Juneteenth Denver Sean-Maree Swinger-Otey, 19, greets the crowds walking with members of GirlTrek. Participants in the Juneteenth Music Festival and parade make their way down E. 26th Ave. on June 17, 2017 in Denver, Colorado.
Kathryn Scott, The Denver PostMembers of Divaz dance group join participants in the Juneteenth Music Festival and parade as they make their way down E. 26th Ave. on June 17, 2017 in Denver, Colorado.
Kathryn Scott, The Denver PostJoshua Cartwright, left, leads the way for other members of Extreme Heat of the JC Step Agency. Participants in the Juneteenth Music Festival and parade make their way down E. 26th Ave. on June 17, 2017 in Denver, Colorado.
Kathryn Scott, The Denver PostCrowds wave and take photos as participants in the Juneteenth Music Festival and parade make their way down E. 26th Ave. on June 17, 2017 in Denver, Colorado.
Kathryn Scott, The Denver PostCrowds gather along Welton Street in Five Points for the Juneteenth Music Festival on June 17, 2017 in Denver, Colorado.
Kathryn Scott, The Denver Post
1 of 11
Before the start of the parade, Christina Hughes, center, and other members of GirlTrek rehearse their moves. Participants in the Juneteenth Music Festival and parade make their way down E. 26th Ave. on June 17, 2017 in Denver. Organizers say its one of Denver's longest running parades dating back to the 1950's where "nearly 3,000 people march to honor the struggles and social progress achieved through marches and demonstrations organized for freedom, justice, and equality in our countryÕs history". This year's theme for the event is Dream Big.
ExpandBy Kathryn Scott | kscott@denverpost.com | Special to The Denver Post
PUBLISHED: | UPDATED:
Getting your player ready...
The Juneteenth Music Festival and parade in Denver. Organizers say its one of Denver’s longest running parades dating back to the 1950s where “nearly 3,000 people march to honor the struggles and social progress achieved through marches and demonstrations organized for freedom, justice, and equality in our country’s history.” This year’s theme for the event is “Dream Big.”