*Originally published on Friday, Jan. 12. Republished as a timely reminder of events on the actual MLK holiday.
OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Monday, Jan. 15, we celebrate what would have been the 95th birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. While the holiday falls on the third Monday of January each year, this year is unique in that it falls on Dr. King’s actual birthday.
Ocala
Celebrations of Dr. King’s life and legacy will take place throughout the 352 beginning this weekend, starting with Ocala’s gathering at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, located at 1812 NW 21st Ave., on Saturday, Jan. 13. The day begins at 9 a.m. with a prayer breakfast. Tickets are available for $15 each. At 1 p.m., the center transitions to a youth day, inviting children of all ages to an afternoon of complimentary activities, including face painting, basketball, and arts and crafts.
There will also be a wreath-laying ceremony in Dr. King’s honor on Saturday at noon at Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Complex.
|PHOTOS: Hundreds turnout for prayer breakfast in Ocala celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
On Monday, Jan. 15, residents of Marion County will honor the legacy of Dr. King with a commemorative march. Buses for participants will load from 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. at the E.D. Croskey Recreation Center, leading to the downtown Ocala starting point. The march commences at 9:00 a.m., making its way to Webb Field at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Complex.
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Gainesville
Gainesville is celebrating a milestone with the 40th year anniversary King celebration. Events are already underway, and the celebration continues with the annual march and parade on Monday beginning at Bo Diddley Downtown Community Plaza, located at 111 E. University Ave., and culminating at Citizens Field on Waldo Road.
The event will feature a “walk down memory lane,” floats, and bands. Participants are advised to utilize the complimentary shuttle bus service provided by the city, parking early at Citizens Field. The day starts with a communal breakfast and offers a chance to connect with service initiatives while fostering a deeper understanding of diverse social issues.
The National Holiday Celebration follows at Citizens Field featuring entertainment by Little Jake and The Soul Searchers.
Alachua
The city of Alachua will honor the legacy of the civil rights leader on Monday, Jan. 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cleather Hathcock Community Center, located at 15818 NW 140th St. The event features the harmonies of 1000 Voices of Florida choir and will include a free luncheon. Adding to the celebration, College Football Hall of Fame inductee Adrian Peterson will be the special guest speaker.
Newberry
Newberry honors Dr. King’s legacy with a commemorative march commencing at 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 15, from the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, led by the Newberry Fire Department. The procession will conclude at the Mentholee Norfleet Municipal Building, located at 25420 W. Newberry Rd.
By noon, a gathering will take center stage at the Community Center, featuring Marsha Kiner, the Children’s Trust of Alachua County’s Executive Director, as keynote speaker. Refreshments will be provided.
Williston
The MLK Committee-Williston Inc. presents a gala and parade championing education and communal harmony. Slated for Saturday, Jan. 13, at 6 p.m. at Williston Middle High School, the “Join the community – Join the vision” gala will feature dinner, music, auctions, and tributes. Tickets are $30 and benefit student scholarships. There will be a parade on Monday at noon starting at Heritage Park, located at 116 N. Main St.