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46th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade


"Living the Dream - It Starts with Me: Spreading Hope, Courage & Unity"

Saturday, January 20, 2024
1:00 PM

MLK Flyer 24
Link to poster


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 Photos

2024
2023
2022


Parade Video

2024
2023
2022


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.


Don't miss all the events happening during the Dream Megafest January 12 - 21 - See events



  • Parade Route

    The parade begins at Providence and West 14th Street and ends at MLK Avenue and 2nd Street. 

    GPS Enabled Parade Route Map

  • Welcome Letter from Parade Committee

    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

  • Waiver

    Download Waiver:

    Participant Waiver

      1. Submit your entry fees, application and narrative online.
      2. You may also return your waiver(s) and entry fees by December 2, 2023 IN PERSON to:

        Attn: Martin Luther King Jr. Parade
        Simpson Park Community Center
        1725 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue
        Lakeland, Florida 33805

      Please do NOT mail waivers.

  • Entry Fees

    Entry fees are $20 per unit. Deadline December 2, 2023

    1. Submit your application, entry fees, and narrative online.
    2. You may also return your waiver(s) and entry fees by December 2, 2023, to:

      Attn: Martin Luther King Jr. Parade
      Simpson Park Community Center
      1725 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue
      Lakeland, Florida 33805

    Please do NOT mail waivers. Entry fees may be mailed or submitted in person.

  • Date/Time/Staging

    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.

  • Parade Group Descriptions

    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.

  • Decoration for Parade Groups:

    "Living the Dream - It Starts with Me: Spreading Hope, Courage & Unity" Floats: Important Information

    • The towing vehicle should be decorated with a theme and must be equipped with a tow bar, safety chains, and working brake lights.
    • The organization's name/number should be visible to provide the announcer and judges of the unit to be mentioned for later viewing on LGN (City of Lakeland TV). The main purpose is to provide identification of the unit.
    • The unit shall be no taller than 15 ft. from the ground and no wider than 12 ft.
    • Safety bars or some stable structure shall be provided for persons standing on the unit.
    • Judges will award trophies for the following categories that support the parade: Best Decorated Float/Best Decorated Vehicle/Best Walking Unit/Best Step-Cheer Group. There will be Three-Judges' Choice Awards: Band/Best Church/Best Creative Overall Unit.
    • 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.

    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.

  • General Information
    • Acceptance and position of the units within the parade are made by the City of Lakeland Parade Coordinator and are final.
    • Notification of your unit position will be furnished at our mandatory packet pickup meeting Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. at the Coleman-Bush Building.
    • Alcoholic beverages and smoking are NOT allowed on Coleman-Bush Building premises and will not be permitted at any time prior to or during the parade.
    • Any person driving a motorized vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
    • Units should continue the flow of the line throughout the parade to avoid gaps.
    • All parade participants should be picked up at the end of the parade route, P.A.L. Complex (2nd Street), or return to the staging area on Kathleen & 14th Street (map will be provided).
    • Waiver of Liability Forms will be required from all participants. Forms are asked to be in for every participant before the day of the parade, place them in the envelope provided for you. Please Hand-Deliver the Waiver Forms vs. sending in mail.
    • Nothing can be Given or Thrown Out along the Route {Candy/Literature).
    • Music should be the clean version and the volume at an appropriate level.
    • Participants are asked to enter the staging area from Kathleen Road & 14th Street, unless otherwise instructed by Parade Committee
    • Participants should have an assigned number to enter the staging area.
    • Participants will have a designated area in the Lot near Kathleen Road to park their personal vehicles.
  • To-Do: Checklist
    1. Read parade information on this page thoroughly.
    2. Fill out and submit your parade packet online.
    3. Return entry fees by December 2, 2023 to:

      Attn: Martin Luther King Jr. Parade
      Simpson Park Community Center
      1725 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue
      Lakeland, Florida 33805
    4. Print out and return waiver(s). Waivers may be turned in at the January 9th Parade Interest Meeting.
    5. Attend the Parade Interest Meeting on January 9, 2024, at 6:30 p.m.
    6. Be ready to celebrate the legacy of Dr. King and what that means in the Lakeland Community on Saturday, January 20, 2024.