Spend this MLK Jr. Day in Orange County participating in one of several celebrations of the life and works of Dr. King. The 30th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace and Unity Parade and Celebration takes place in nearby Long Beach at 1950 Lemon Avenue. It all begins at 10:30 a.m. with a parade at the corner of MLK and Atlantic. The festivities continue until 6 p.m. with activities for all ages.
Over 25,000 people attend each year to enjoy live music in the afternoon and performances that revere camaraderie and peace. A carnival is erected and there are arts and crafts activities for little ones highlighting social justice. A number of groups and organizations support the event with information booths.
A Long Weekend That Matters
Every year, Tustin Library hosts special events for MLK Jr. weekend. Although most libraries, including Tustin, are closed on Monday, the weeks leading up to the holiday feature readings and showcase books that connect readers with Dr. King’s work. A particularly popular option is Jill Foran’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day with gorgeous illustrations for young readers. Check your local libraries to see what events they have lined up for Saturday and Sunday.
Join OneOC, a local volunteer organization that offers projects for locals and visitors alike on MLK Jr. Day. OneOC rallies together to make Monday “a day on, not off” and hosts a variety of projects for all ages, interests and abilities. There’s even a project toolkit to help you put together your own event.
How will you be celebrating?
