- January 17, 2021
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Josiah, Char and Judan Spicer cuddled on the side of Plant Street before the start of the parade.
David, Brklyn, Tink, Dez and Kerrie Adams sported matching hoodies at the parade.
U.S. Rep. Val Demings was one of the many community leaders who participated in the parade.
Florida Sen. Randolph Bracy waved at residents as he passed by in the parade.
Winter Garden Little League members waved flags as part of the parade downtown.
The celebration downtown honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy.
Residents marching in the parade held signs with inspiring words that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. held important.
Following the parade, The Gerry Williams Band performed an integration of funk, soul and rhythm music at the Downtown Pavilion.
The celebration feature a variety of vendors and food trucks like Bo's Boys BBQ.
The Naked Cupcake decorated cupcakes for attendees at the event.
Asher, Dani, Abi and Ali Conner sported smiles at the parade and celebration.
Mayor John Rees welcomed residents and spoke of King’s life and legacy.
Anissa and Amini Riahi made jewelry at one of the many craft stands available.
Both kids and adults stood in line for face and body paintings at the event.
Well-known donut shop Sir Benji's Donuts drew customers from all over the celebration with its delicious delicacies.
The city of Winter Garden honored the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a parade and celebration Monday, Jan. 17, downtown.
The gusty winds and unusually chilly weather didn’t stop residents from dancing in the streets with joy and setting up chairs with blankets along Plant Street to watch the event.
The event kicked off with a parade, which featured community leaders such as Florida Sen. Randolph Bracy, U.S. Rep. Val Demings and Orange County Clerk of Courts Tiffany Moore Russell. Organizations such as Foundation Academy and Soul Haven Ranch’s Miniature Horse Therapy Programs also participated.
Following the parade, The Gerry Williams Band performed an integration of funk, soul and rhythm music at the Downtown Pavilion. Other performers included Corrinne Thompson, Nick Melvin and Selwyn Birchwood.
Mayor John Rees welcomed residents and spoke of King’s life and legacy.
“His destiny was set and we all sit here and just thank Dr. King for all that he did in his 39 years of life,” Rees said. “One of the best quotes I think of Dr. King that I always love is, ‘I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.’ If we all followed that, I think we would all agree what a wonderful world we can live in.”
Minister Anthony Hodge, of Finding the Lost Sheep Ministry, also played a large role in the gathering as he recited Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
King delivered this speech on Aug. 28, 1963, from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.
Almost 60 years later, the historic speech still holds true.
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character,” Hodge quoted. “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed — we hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.”
