Martin Luther King Jr. parade comes back to Gifford after a year off for COVID-19 pandemic

Colleen Wixon, Treasure Coast Newspapers
·2 min read

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The Martin Luther King Jr. parade was too important to cancel, organizers said.

So when the Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Committee decided to cancel the annual parade because of COVID-19 concerns, others stepped in.

"It was very hard for us to let something of this significance go for two consecutive years," said parade organizer Dale Dawkins. "Dr. King means so much for so many people."

Organizers initially considered a parade of cars to maintain social distancing. But many people have expressed interest in walking as groups, he said.

"We're trying to get as many people be a part of this as we can," Dawkins said.

About 10 schools have committed to marching in the parade, Dawkins said, with Vero Beach and Sebastian River high school bands scheduled to participate Jan. 17.

"It's steadily growing every day," Dawkins said, adding he's been surprised by the amount of interest people had in making sure the parade continued.

"I didn't know the effect it had on so many people. There is a huge sense of honor and respect (for the event)," he said.

The annual holiday parade was canceled in 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and a Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration was held was held at St. Peter's Missionary Baptist Church instead.

More: Gifford leaders eye $10 million fundraising effort for cultural, resource center at MLK Jr. Park

More: Martin Luther King Jr. parade in Fort Pierce postponed among COVID-19 concerns

People worship, dance and honor history during a Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration Monday, Jan. 18, 2021, at St. Peter's Missionary Baptist Church in Gifford. Attendees stayed near their vehicles along 38th Avenue and spread out in chairs in the church parking lot to be cautious during the coronavirus pandemic. The annual holiday parade was canceled this year, so event coordinator Linda Morgan decided to plan an observance at the church. "With everything going on in the world today, we've gotta keep hope alive among the people," she said.

Grand marshals for this year's parade are two longtime residents, firefighter Emmett Lane Jr. and retired Indian River County sheriff's deputy Leroy Smith, Dawkins said.

Lineup for the parade is scheduled to begin at 7:30 a.m. at the staging area at MLK Plaza, 2416 45th St., Vero Beach, with bands staging at Gifford Middle School. The parade will begin at 8 a.m. along 45th Street to the Victor Hart Sr. Community Enhancement Complex.

Performances and tributes to King will be held at the park after the parade, Dawkins said, and food vendors will be available.

Groups may walk in the parade for free. Entry fees for other participants range from $10 for individual motorcycles to $50 for trailer floats and motorcycle clubs. Vendors may rent booths in the park for $80 or for $130 for small businesses.

All proceeds will go toward the Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Committee of Indian River County scholarship fund and the Gator AAU Football program.

For information on becoming a vendor or participating in the parade, contact Dawkins at dalevdawkins@gmail.com or 406-570-3874.

Colleen Wixon is the Indian River County government watchdog reporter for TCPalm.com. Contact her at Colleen.Wixon@TCPalm.com or 772-978-2235.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Gifford community bringing back Martin Luther King Jr. parade Jan. 17