Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 20, at the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. – George Gause Memorial Parade and festival hosted by the Bartow Deacons and Stewards Alliance, Inc.
This year’s theme is “It’s Possible! Protecting Freedom, Democracy & Justice for All!”
The parade begins at noon from the corner of Main Street and Floral Ave., with a festival to follow at 1:30 p.m. at Carver Recreation Center. The event features an oratorical contest, DJ entertainment, band and dance performances, and entrepreneur expo. Volunteer opportunities are available. For more information call 863-255-2343 or email carver.young863@gmail.com.
The day is a celebration not only of Dr. King, but also of the late George H. Gause for his like-minded contributions to the Bartow community.
Gause was the first African American in the Southeastern United States elected to hold the office of mayor and served as a Bartow city commissioner and mayor from 1971 to 1977. He also was the first African American to sit on the Polk County School Board and was appointed by then-Gov. Rubin Askew to advisory boards of the State of Florida Council of Community Affairs and the Polk County Advisory Committee.
Start the celebration earlier with a free MLK Gospel Concert on Sunday, Jan. 19, at 5 p.m., at St. James AME Church at 1020 Magnolia Street.
Bartow Community Choir and special guests will perform at the event, presented by Bartow Deacons & Stewards Alliance.
