For the first time in more than three decades, a new federal holiday – Juneteenth - has been signed into law, and celebrations are happening across the Hudson Valley this weekend.

Mount Vernon is just one of many communities holding festivities.

This is the first year the Mount Vernon School District is celebrating Juneteenth.

Students at Benjamin Turner Middle School embarked on a parade and held presentations to commemorate the first federal Juneteenth holiday.

Throughout the week, each grade was assigned a different project. School leaders of the project say it's a monumental day for these students.

"We've been celebrating it on our own for years, but now the school is celebrating it as well. It gives the kids the opportunity to learn more about their history," said Shawnette Odindo, a leader of the Juneteenth Project.

"Educating the community and especially our young people, and those who were never familiar with Juneteenth and what Juneteenth is all about. It is the African American — it is the enslaved people's Fourth of July," said Mount Vernon Mayor Shawn Patterson-Howard.

Celebrations and commemorations will continue Saturday at Brush Park for Mount Vernon's second annual Juneteenth celebration from noon to 4 p.m.