Organizers for the annual Martin Luther King Day parade in Brewton are already gearing up for the 2013 event — an event they hope to see grow from previous participation.
The event is hosted annually by the local chapter of the Alabama Democratic Conference organization, and president Joe Watson said the group is encouraging everyone to participate.
“We really want as many people as possible to participate in the parade for this community,” Watson said. “We are asking any band, group, organization or even a neighborhood group to join us in the parade.”
Watson said there is no registration fee to have a unit participate in the parade.
“We want as many people as possible to be a part of the parade if they choose to be,” Watson said. “We already have some groups who have committed to join us for the parade. We have a motorcycle club and a car club who are already signed up for the parade. We had a good year last year, but we are hoping for an even better parade this year.”
The event is planned for Jan. 19 and will begin at noon from behind the Belleville Avenue location of BankTrust, Watson said.
“We will begin lining up for the parade around 11 a.m.,” Watson said. “We will follow our typical route going from behind the bank down Henderson Street by the park. We will turn on U.S. 31 and go a block or so to Sowell Road. We will turn on Martin Luther King Drive and end the parade at Sportsman Park.”
Watson said the end of the parade route will also be a place for participants and the community to gather for the annual celebration in honor of Dr. King.
“We will have some refreshments at the park and generally plan to have a good time,” Watson said. “We have been doing this for at least 15 years and hope to keep the tradition alive for years to come.”
Although early registration is preferred, Watson said those who would like to participate in the event have until 11 a.m. on parade day to be added to the line up.
To register as a participant in the parade contact Watson at 809-5423.