NEWARK -- After a seven-year hiatus, the state's largest celebration of African-American heritage and culture returned to Newark on Sunday.

The featured event of the African-American Heritage Festival in Weequahic Park, the parade kicked off at noon at Lincoln Park and made its way up Broad Street to Lafayette Street, down Lafayette to Mulberry, before it ended at Edison Place.

The parade's grandstand was located at the steps of City Hall. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was this year's grand marshal.

The African-American Heritage Festival continues on Monday. It offers family entertainment and activities, including carnival rides, a petting zoo, pony rides and other vendors.