MLK Calendar

The civil rights movement’s most powerful figure will again have his day in the spotlight as local cities celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day this weekend and Monday. Here’s a guide to local events from parades to full-day festivals.

Eatonville

Eatonville’s MLK Parade and Celebration will be held Jan. 19 at 2 p.m. The parade starts on West Kennedy Boulevard in Eatonville.

Winter Park

The city of Winter Park presents the 11th annual Unity Heritage Festival on Sunday, Jan. 20, and Monday, Jan. 21. The annual community festival will promote family history and raise funds for the Educational Fulfillment Fund for local economically disadvantaged youth.

The festival begins Sunday in Shady Park from 1 to 5:30 p.m. Special activities will include children’s games, career booths, food and retail vendors, special entertainment by various gospel artists, job training, job readiness and financial literacy by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Nu Iota Omega Chapter, and the presentation of the annual Heritage Award. Prior to the festival’s continuance Monday, Jan. 21, there will be a special Martin Luther King Jr. Park Dedication Ceremony at 9:30 a.m. at the park located on corner of Morse Boulevard and Denning Drive. The park was officially renamed from Lake Island Park to Martin Luther King Jr. Park in honor of the memory and accomplishments of one of the world’s most influential civil rights leaders. It will represent opportunity, diversity and equality – all of the values Martin Luther King Jr. treasured and stood for.

Following the park dedication, participants will march to Shady Park to continue the celebration at the Unity Heritage Festival on Martin Luther King Jr. Day from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Join Mayor Ken Bradley and Winter Park city officials at 10 a.m. for a special Martin Luther King Jr. symbolic program, including the Feature Family Presentation of the Perkins family. Exciting events and activities will continue throughout the day, including food and music by Motown Entertainment. Local author and former feature family member Dr. Minnie Boyer Woodruff will be in attendance to sign her book “My Doctors Can See You Now” from 2 to 4 p.m.

Oviedo

The city of Oviedo and Oviedo Citizens In Action present the Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s Parade. Taking place Jan. 21 from 10 to 11 a.m., the parade will begin at Oviedo High School, located at 601 King St. in Oviedo, and will travel on Broadway Avenue going east to Round Lake Park; 891 E. Broadway Ave.