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Bigger crowds for the 2024 Roots and Heritage Parade and Battle of the Bands in Lexington, Kentucky. The parade started earlier than usual, at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 7, but still hundreds of people lined the streets to see local organizations along with Bryan Station High school, Central High School, Simmons College of Kentucky and Kentucky State University march down the road.   The parade on Saturday began on Fourth Street and Elm Tree Lane, turned right onto ML King, right onto Fifth Street, right onto Race Street, right onto Third Street and ended on Elm Tree Lane The parade was followed by a wild and exciting Battle of the Bands and band performances. It was held outside the historic Lyric Theatre on East Third Street and Elm Tree Lane.  The festival started with an African American marketplace on Friday and wrapped with a gospel celebration on Sunday.  Check out the parade and bands below.

Showcasing Kentucky's African American culture and traditions, the 2023 Lexington, KY Roots & Heritage Festival kicked off Friday night, September 8, with live performances on the main stage on Elm Tree Lane.  It continued Saturday morning with the annual parade and band performances. It included Simmons College (an HBCU) and Central High School marching bands from Louisville.  The "Battle of the Bands" after the parade was moved from the corner of Fourth street and Elm Tree Lane to Third Street and Elm Tree Lane, near the historic Lyric Theatre. New this year, a fashion show outside the theater. The show included pieces from up-and-coming local designers. The festival wrapped on Sunday, September 10. Thousands of people attended the weekend event.