MLK Celebration and Parade set to be held on January 13th in Newton

The Catawba County Branch NAACP and the Catawba County Multicultural Commission will celebrate the life and accomplishments of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Newton on Jan. 13, 2023, with special events, including a ceremony and vendors, starting at 12 noon and capped off with a parade at 2 p.m.

The celebration will be at the

Central Recreation Center at 301 S. Ervin Ave. The staging area for the parade will be at 338 Stadium Ave. in Newton. Parade participants are asked to arrive at 1 p.m.

“Last year, we held a second MLK parade to celebrate Rev. King’s legacy,” said Catawba County Branch President Jerry L. McCombs. “This year, we look forward to working with the Catawba County Multicultural Committee for an even more successful parade. We encourage wide participation,” McCombs said.

The event organizers are seeking groups to participate in the parade as well as vendors to sell food, beverages, and other items, e.g., crafts and jewelry. If you have an organization that would like to participate in the parade or are an interested vendor, please email Jerry L. McCombs at cataconaacp@ charter.net by Jan. 5, 2024.

In addition, the Catawba County Branch NAACP will hold its traditional MLK Day ceremony at the 1924 courthouse at 30 N. College Street on Mon., Jan. 15, at 12 noon. Both events are free of charge and open to the public.

“Please note,” McCombs added, “that while both events are open to the public, vendors and groups who want to participate in the Jan. 13 celebration must register in advance.”