MLK Weekend 2021 Parade Canceled Due To COVID-19 Concerns

LAKELAND, FL — The city of Lakeland has canceled the 2021 Martin Luther King Jr. Parade because of coronavirus pandemic concerns.

To make up for canceling the parade because of the uncertainties created by the coronavirus pandemic, the Martin Luther King Junior Parade Committee has created a video tribute to honor the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The video will include highlights from past parades in Lakeland and it will celebrate King's dream, vision and idea of uniting all communities.

A viewing of the video is scheduled on Saturday, January 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Coleman-Bush Building, 1102 Martin Luther King Junior Avenue, Lakeland.

"The parade organizing committee came up with the idea of a video tribute as a way to continue honoring Dr. King’s legacy during this pandemic," said John Williams, recreation supervisor. "We want to keep the citizens of Lakeland safe and the video tribute will allow the community to still be involved during this unprecedented time.”

Those interested in participating are invited to call 863.834.2577 for more information.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 2021 is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 18.