Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at a variety of events hosted by the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship of Lake Wales Committee. The events start Thursday, Jan. 12 and run through Monday, Jan. 16. Check out the list of events below. For more details, select the link: https://www.lakewalesfl.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5757/MLK-Celebration-Week-of-Events_011722
Unity in the Community Potluck Dinner – Thursday, January 12 at 6 p.m.
Members of the community plan to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the “Unity in Community” potluck dinner, hosted by the Lake Wales MLK Committee. This free event is scheduled to take place on Thursday, January 12 at 6 p.m., James P. Austin Community Center. Patrons are encouraged to bring a covered dish or dessert. Hosted by the Unity in the Community.
MLK Oratorical Contest – Friday, January 13 between 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Join us and listen to 16 students as they compete to win a cash prize in this year’s MLK Oratorical Contest. Each student will share some of the details about the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This free event will take place on Friday, January 13, between 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the James P. Austin Community Center. Students were selected by members of the Lake Wales MLK Committee, and will be judged on their public speaking skills.
MLK Unity Walk – Saturday, January 14 at 8:30 a.m.
Unite together at the annual “Unity Walk,” set to pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Saturday, January 14 at 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Park. Members of the community are encouraged to participate in this free event. The walk starts at Kiwanis Park and ends at Stuart Park. No sign-up required. Walk route: https://www.lakewalesfl.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5762/MLK-Unity-Walk-Fyer-and-Route
MLK Gospel Sing – Sunday, January 15 at 4 p.m.
Listen to music-centric tributes, performed by local church choirs at this year’s “MLK Gospel Sing.” This free event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, January 15 at 4 p.m., First Institutional Baptist Church at 4 p.m.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Lake Wales Celebration – Monday, January 16, between 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Celebrate with the community on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The Lake Wales MLK committee is hosting a schedule of free events on Monday, January 16, that include:
- Legacy breakfast at 9 a.m., James P. Austin Community Center - Hosted by the Dr. J. A. Wiltshire Foundation
- MLK Celebration Program at 11 a.m., James P. Austin Community Center - Hosted by the Dr. J. A. Wiltshire Foundation
- MLK Parade at 3 p.m., Lincoln Avenue
- Lincoln Avenue street vendors and music until 8 p.m.
MLK Parade on Lincoln Avenue – Monday, January 16 at 3 p.m.
Join members of the community to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at this year’s MLK Parade on Lincoln Avenue. This free event is scheduled to kick off on Monday, January 16 at 3 p.m. If you’re interested in walking in the parade, entering a dance group or float, please complete the sign-up form: https://www.lakewalesfl.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5755/2023-MLK-Parade-application-packet
Vendor sign-up form: https://www.lakewalesfl.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5756/2023-MLK-Vendor-Application-packet