By SAMANTHA GHOLAR
sgholar@newssun.com
SEBRING - With the upcoming Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday approaching, Highlands County residents have plenty of celebratory events to choose from this year.
The cities of Avon Park and Sebring have worked diligently to put together a number of events that will celebrate and remember the legacy of MLK Jr.
The Washington Heights Concerned Citizens Organization has organized its annual parade/march for the holiday. On Monday, dozens of residents, family and friends will join together for a full day of celebration.
The march will begin on the corner of Center Avenue and MLK Street (at the Boys and Girls Club). Attendees will march down MLK Street and end near Grand Avenue and Bountiful Blessings Church. The vacant lot adjacent to the church will hold the remainder of the celebration picnic.
MLK Day coordinators Ada McGowan and Robert Saffold invite members of the community of all races, ethnicity and backgrounds to join them for the events.
"We will line up at 11 and begin marching by 12," said McGowan. "The festivities start at 1 p.m. At the picnic, there will be bounce houses, music local entertainment and guest speakers."
Contact McGowan for entry and registration for the march/parade. McGowan and Saffold are asking the community to pitch in to help pull off the event. Anyone interested in providing food for the picnic may bring hot dogs, burgers, leg quarters, and buns to the Boys and Girls Club anytime before 9 a.m. Monday. Other items may also be donated such as chips, side items, and beverages. Contact McGowan for food donations or for other information at 381-5485.
--
Avon Park Southside CRA's Gerald Snell has been putting the finishing touches on a four-day event that will commence at noon Monday.
The Avon Park MLK Day events kicks off at 6 p.m. today with an Oratorical Contest at the Avon Park City Council Chambers. All day events are planned for Saturday through Monday at Memorial Field (500 Delaney Ave.) featuring music entertainment, food vendors, bounce houses, pony rides and more. Saturday at 3 p.m. a semi pro football game will be held with a half-time performance by Lil Kee. A Peace Rally will be held at 6 p.m. Fashion shows and MLK exhibits will also take place. Sunday features the prayer breakfast and Jazz Festival, also at Memorial Field. Monday the MLK parade will begin at noon beginning at the Depot and traveling down Main Street ending at Memorial Field.
Call Snell at 873-6698 or email Kelvin Lindsey at kelvinlindsey@hotmail.com.
Friday, January 18, 2013 - www.newssun.com/011813-sg-MLK-events