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January 19, 2026 at 3:00:00 PM

Annual MLK Parade

Parade begins at the intersection of Historical Goldsboro Blvd. and Persimmon Ave.
The Annual MLK Parade has a diverse and vibrant lineup. The grand marshal, local school bands, dancers, bikers, and other participants will join the festivities. The parade route is expected to attract a sizable crowd, with approximately 2,500 spectators anticipated to line the road.




The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Steering Committee, Inc. (Dr. MLK, Jr. Committee) proudly presents the Annual Dr. MLK Jr. Parade of the City of Sanford, which honors Dr. King’s legacy. The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. parade scheduled for Monday, January 19, 2026, in the Goldsboro community begins at Crooms Academy of Information Technology High School, 2200 Historic Goldsboro Boulevard (formerly West 13th Street) Sanford, Florida, at 10:00 a.m.


The Dr. MLK Committee asks for your continued support in our efforts to present a parade with integrity and dignity. As a way to improve the quality of the parade, the Dr. MLK, Jr. Committee is encouraging more decorative floats, vehicles, walkers, bands, singing groups, and dance groups to represent what the day means — brotherhood/sisterhood, brotherly/sisterly love, nonviolence and service to mankind to help him up and not down. Together, we can make this the best and most memorable parade and celebration. The parade participation entry fee is $25 for any motorized vehicle or walking group. The entry fee does not apply to public or private schools.


Please complete and submit the Parade Application and Hold Harmless Agreement to the Dr. MLK, Jr. Committee. The signer of the application will be notified if a parade participants’ meeting will be required. If a meeting is scheduled, the application signer is requested to be present to answer any questions and/or concerns that you or the Parade Committee may have regarding your performance, float, vehicle, or group participation. Weather permitting, we look forward to a grand parade. Thank you! Register at your earliest convenience as the deadline is approaching quickly.





GUIDELINES:


For safety reasons (to both spectators and parade participants), NO CANDY THROWING from floats or moving vehicles will be allowed. Candy or other handouts may be given by helpers alongside the parade float/vehicle/walkers only.


**** NO RAIN DATE **** 

DATE: Monday, January 19, 2026/ Time: Staging @ 8:00 A.M. – Parade begins @ 10:00 A.M. 

PARADE ROUTE: Staging at Crooms Academy of Information Technology High School, 

2200 Historic Goldsboro Boulevard - disbursement at Holly Avenue.


  1. This event is scheduled for the date and time listed above. The parade participant(s) agree that the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Steering Committee, Inc. will not be responsible for any loss caused by fire, flood, theft, rain, cold, fog, or any other elements of nature or man.

  2. All entries must submit, along with their application, a non-refundable parade entry fee of $25 or the appropriate amount. Parade entry fee does not apply to Public/Private Schools.

  3. No individual walking group/club/vehicle will be allowed to take part in the parade without the prior approval of the Parade Committee, which reserves the right to reject those entries not in compliance or that do not adhere to the following regulations (4 through 14).

  4. Parade participants are required to present their identification tags/permits at all times. (City Permits will be given out during the staging time).

  5. All individuals and organizations participating in the parade are subject, while in the City of Sanford, to obey the laws and regulations of the jurisdiction. Failure to adhere to those laws and regulations or to obey the lawful command of an official empowered to give such command will cause immediate removal from the parade, and may be cause for arrest and/or fine.

  6. Marshals assigned for this purpose will control the conduct and movement of the parade. Participants will obey the directions of the Marshals as they relate to the parade. Failure to do so will cause the offending individual, walking group, or motorized vehicle to be removed from the parade.

  7. Units may contain no element higher than thirteen feet (13’), to provide clearance of overhead wires and traffic lights.

  8. All units with children under third-grade (3rd) level require that adults be stationed along the parade route to assist in the event a young person becomes tired or requires other attention.

  9. For everyone’s safety, no candy or any objects will be thrown during the parade. No firecrackers, discharge of firearms, or other pyrotechnics is allowable.

  10. Individuals and organizations in the parade must perform courteously, in good taste, and with safety in mind at all times during the formation, execution, and dismissal of the parade. There will be no persons hanging out of vehicle windows and/or doors.

  11. To preserve the integrity of the parade, ONLY music that reflects the image of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is allowable. Any other is grounds for removal from the parade.

  12. Parade Units are limited to 30 seconds to perform in the designated Performance Zones. If you’d like to showcase your talent for more than 30 seconds, stop by the MLK Tent at the festival to sign up to show off your talent in a longer performance slot.

  13. Performance Zones

    • Historic Goldsboro Blvd. and Oleander Avenue

    • Historic Goldsboro Blvd. and Olive Avenue

    • Historic Goldsboro Blvd. and William Clarke Avenue


      After a 30-second performance, please continue to move forward with the parade procession


  14. All participants with a motorized vehicle (4-wheeler, motorcycle, ATV, UTV, etc) must be 18+ years of age, have a valid driver’s license, provide proof of auto insurance, and registration.

  15. All floats, marchers, and vehicular entries in the parade must be decorated and/or carry signs, banners, or other displays that reflect the parade theme of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.



TO ENSURE PROCESSING BY THE PARADE COMMITTEE, ADHERE TO THE FOLLOWING:

  1. A completed Parade Application must be submitted to the Dr. MLK, Jr. Committee by the parade entry deadline of Thursday, January 8, 2026.

  2. Must include Parade Entry Fee of $25 or appropriate amount when submitted. (This requirement does not apply to public/private schools.)

  3. For motorized vehicles: Copy of Auto Insurance, Driver’s License, and Registration must accompany application.

  4. Must include a completed and signed Hold Harmless Agreement form, which is located on the back of the application. (This requirement does not apply to public/private schools.)


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P.O. Box 500  |  Sanford, FL 32772  |  (407) 257-9566

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Steering Committee Inc. is a 501 C 3 Organization ID # 59-3521511

© 2024 MLK Jr. Steering Committee. Site by CARNELL (visit website)

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