Lakeland officials presented awards Monday to groups with the most impressive floats and performances in the city’s 2024 Martin Luther King Jr. Parade on Jan. 20.
The theme of the 46th annual parade was “Living the Dream – It Starts with Me: Spreading Hope, Courage, & Unity.” It drew 146 participating units including marching bands, step groups and floats from local organizations, businesses and churches.
“While the parade originally consisted of scouts, marching in honor of slain civil rights leaders, it has grown into a large-scale parade with traveling groups from across Central Florida,” said John Williams of the city’s Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts Department.
Winners received plaques and took photos with Mayor Bill Mutz and event organizers Mike Marotz, Lynne Simpkins and Cora Rankins. Honorees were:
- Best professional float – Zion Missionary Baptist Church
- Best decorated vehicle – Trinity Home Service
- Best flatbed trailer – Body Allures
- Best car club – Lakeland Volkswagen Club
- Most unique cars or trucks – Kona Ice of Winter Haven & Lake Wales
- Best walking group – Cannon Funeral Home
- Best dance group – Certified Steppas
- Best marching band – Spoto High School
Williams also thanked this year’s parade grand marshal, Vera Owens, who cofounded the event in 1978 along with her close friend Christine Simmons.
He added that the city’s Black History Festival will be Feb. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Jackson Park, with an exhibit celebrating the history of some of the city’s historically Black neighborhoods at the nearby Coleman-Bush building.
View the parade here:
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade 2024 from City of Lakeland on Vimeo.
latest news
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
