Villagers and residents of communities surrounding Leesburg are invited to celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. at Leesburg’s 11th Annual MLK Parade on Saturday, Jan. 13. The marchers step off at 11 a.m. and proceed down Main Street.
“Villagers will be well represented. Among others, the Village Twirlers will continue their ten-plus year participation, along with the Sophisticated Gents and their 12 antique cars,” reports Louis Ward, chairman of the MLK Commemoration Committee. “They will join 65-70 community organizations such as the marching bands from the Leesburg and Lake Mineola high schools, police and fire departments, and civic and business groups.”
The parade caps a week-long series of events that begin with a CommUNITY breakfast that recognized ‘Pioneers & Patriots’ – local individuals from Lake and Sumter counties ‘who have done outstanding work.’ This was followed by a Dare2Care Health Fair with special screenings and educational programs. An Ecumenical Service featured performances by choirs, vocalists and dance groups. The Student Literary Awards Ceremony at the Lake Sumter State College recognized middle to college students who had competed in several academic categories.
“We hope our activities recall the work and dreams of Martin Luther King – especially in today’s world where new forms of hate around the world are leading to increased violence, greater discrimination against immigrants, and additional racial and sexual inequality,” continued Ward. “King’s presence needs to remain alive in each of us so we stand up, on behalf of our fellow man, for what is right.”
