Get ready for a day of celebration, family fun and unity.
Monday marks Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday honoring the civil rights icon who used nonviolent protests to advocate for equality. The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Committee of Indian River County will host the annual King parade at 10 a.m. Monday along 45th Street in the heart of Gifford.
The theme for this year’s parade is “Power of Unity.” Pastor Andrew Jefferson and First Lady Ruth Jefferson of St. Peter’s Missionary Baptist Church in Gifford will be the grand marshals for the parade.
A program will be held immediately afterward at Victor Hart Sr. Community Enhancement Complex where attendees can enjoy musical performances, food and fellowship.
Reverend Dr. Dallasteen Yates will be the guest speaker at the annual MLK scholarship banquet at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Gifford Youth Achievement Center. The banquet is a ticketed event.
Here is the parade lineup information for Monday:
8 a.m. sharp Parade Lineup
WALKERS: Meet at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church Parking Lot
4545 30th Ave., Vero Beach (Gifford), FL, 32967
FLOATS: Meet at 28th Court and 45th Street at Gifford Middle School Drop-Off Parking Lot facing the west
4530 28th Court, Vero Beach (Gifford), FL, 32967
More information on the parade and other MLK weekend events can be found here or on the MLK Birthday Committee website.