(WJAR) — Hundreds of people gathered at Farm Fresh Rhode Island Thursday for the second annual Taste of Juneteenth New England.

The Muse of RI, Juneteenth RI and Hope & Main partnered to bring the event to life.

Milou Rodrigues, one of the event organizers, said the event has grown exponentially.

"Last year we started with 200 people, of course, there's walkers that come in, this year we're at 800 people [who] registered to come out and support today," said Rodrigues. "There's different foods to sample. There're products. There're oils, there's earrings. We have all kinds of vendors that come out and ... just welcome Juneteenth and celebrate what it's all about."

DJ Lady Ruck set the mood with music as people danced and indulged in different cultural foods.

The growing success of the event is attributed to Taste of Juneteenth New England Founder and President Juan Wilson.

"I actually worked on the legislation to make it a state holiday and also a paid state holiday," said Wilson.

Juneteenth marks the day-- June 19, 1865-- that enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were notified of their freedom; more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

"It's finally being recognized federally as far as this is considered Freedom Day, Juneteenth," said Wilson. "So, to pay homage to our ancestors and building on the shoulders of giants... it's like 'How do we move forward now?' That's planted in history, but 'What do we do with that history to move us forward?'"

Wilson said part of the solution is having free and public events like this. They will also have their seventh annual Juneteenth Festival this Sunday, from noon to 7 p.m. at Roger Williams Park in Providence.

Both of which have a variety of vendors, and products to buy including their Taste of Juneteenth New England All-Purpose Seasoning.

"It's an all-purpose seasoning so we kept it very general for folks that might want to try something with a little bit of soul food feel," said Wilson.

It's a day to relax, have fun, and further educate one's self on the history that led to this point.

Attendee Marilyn "Mother Love" Wade said she appreciated seeing the diversity at Thursday's event.

"I mean it's for everybody but it's a big day for us," said Wade. "So, we're trying to get out here with unity, and enjoy each other's company, taste each other's food and just spread love."

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Registered vendor and Empanada Assassin LLC. owner Guetty Antiste said it was a bit hot, but the event was worth it.

"This is the second annual year also, and the energy is high, and it just feels good to be in the midst of our people and be supported by everyone," said Antiste.

Farm Fresh Rhode Island, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Providence Tourism Council sponsored the Taste of Juneteenth New England.

The organization's all-purpose seasoning is available for purchase at the Downtown Makers Marketplace by Hope & Main on Westminster Street and will soon be available online.