The parade begins at Providence and West 14th Street and ends at MLK Avenue and 2nd Street.
Martin Luther King Jr Parade
Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts
"Living the Dream - It Starts with Me: Spreading Hope, Courage & Unity"
Saturday, January 20, 2024
1:00 PM
The Community is invited to join us as we celebrate the Dream of Martin Luther King Jr. Churches, organizations, daycares, fraternities, sororities, dance groups, bands, and businesses will stroll down Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue during this community event.
The City of Lakeland is excited to partner with the Reverend Dr. MLK Commission of Lakeland and the Education & Elightenment Group, Inc. (EEG) to host the MLK Jr. Parade and other activities to bring the community together for a week of fun-filled events.
Parade Contact:
MLKParade@LakelandGov.net
Office: 863.834.2577
Office: 863.834.3350
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Video Tribute
Download your copy of the MLK Video Tribute on our Vimeo channel.
The parade begins at Providence and West 14th Street and ends at MLK Avenue and 2nd Street.
The City of Lakeland Staff and Parade Committee would like to invite your group and/or organization to participate in the 46th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Parade: Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 1:00 PM. As our Parade continues to grow and improve in quality and content, this year’s theme is “Living the Dream – It Starts with Me: Spreading Hope, Courage, & Unity”. The route will be from 14th Street to Providence and 10th Street ending on Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue and 2nd Street.
This is an excellent way to promote your organization at a minimal cost. Entries are limited, so do submit your application early. Nothing can be given out along the route (candy or literature).
Review the application below carefully and complete the application and narrative completely. Submit your application and narrative online. Participant waivers and entry fees are due by December 2, 2023, to: (Checks made payable to City of Lakeland Attn: MLK Jr. Parade)
Attn: Martin Luther King Jr. Parade
City of Lakeland
228 S. Massachusetts Ave.
Lakeland, Florida 33801
Each application should contain a unit description. Each participant has an obligation to update his or her application before the mandatory packet pickup and information meeting on January 9.
On behalf of the City of Lakeland and Parade Committee, we would like to say "Thank you" for your continuous support of this event. We look forward to seeing you at the Packet Pickup and Information Meeting on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be located at the Coleman-Bush Building, 1104 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, Lakeland, Florida 33805.
Questions can be directed to MLKParade@Lakelandgov.net.
Cordially Yours,
City of Lakeland, Reverend Dr. MLK Commission of Lakeland, and Education Enlightenment Group
Please do NOT mail waivers.
Entry fees are $20 per unit. Deadline December 2, 2023
Please do NOT mail waivers. Entry fees may be mailed or submitted in person.
Parade Date: Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 1 PM
Line Up Start: 10:30 AM
Staging Area: Kathleen Road & 14th Street (Large Field), Lakeland (Map)
Applications will be reviewed by the City of Lakeland Staff & Parade Committee.
Professional Float:
Designed and constructed by a professional float company.
Trailer Float:
Designed from sources other than a professional float company. (Ex. Homemade-flatbed/truck pulling trailer)
Walkers:
A maximum of 20 walkers per unit (number not including chaperones). Participants over 20 count will be an additional fee.
Decorated Vehicles:
Cars, Trucks, Vans, Antiques, Classics and Convertibles
Marching Band:
A performing group of moderated size. Drill teams may perform in conjunction with marching band units. Units should allow at least 4 feet between units.
Dance Group:
Email the Parade Committee for info regarding dance group participation.
Other:
Any group type not mentioned. Email the Parade Committee for info regarding group participation.
Nothing can be given out along the parade route: candy, literature, etc.
"Living the Dream - It Starts with Me: Spreading Hope, Courage & Unity" Floats: Important Information
Updates can be requested by calling either 863.834.2577 or 863.834.3350 or emailing MLKParade@Lakelandgov.net.
Updates can be requested by calling either 863.834.2577 or 863.834.3350 or emailing MLKParade@Lakelandgov.net.
Martin Luther King Jr Parade
Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts