KANNAPOLIS — Don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at this year’s weekend celebration. Events will begin on Saturday, Jan. 13, and continue through Monday, Jan. 15.

The theme for this year’s Martin Luther King Jr. celebration is “Unarmed Truth & Unconditional Love: That’s what dreams are made of!”

The theme reflects the strides made to advance diverse populations throughout the area. Attendees can expect a weekend filled with reflection, education and community, as the community comes together to celebrate the enduring impact of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Activities:

The Dream Day Parade in Kannapolis: 11 a.m., Jan. 13

The Martin Luther King Jr. Dream Day Parade will be held at 11 a.m. on Jan. 13 in Kannapolis. Mayor Darrell Hinnant and City Council Member Jeanne Dixon are the parade grand marshals. The parade will be comprised of a variety of local cheer and dance teams, marching bands, civic organizations and corporate groups.

The parade will begin at the intersection of Main Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and travel down Main Street to Laureate Way, ending at City Hall, 401 Laureate Way. Please be aware that partial street closures will begin at 10:50 a.m. to accommodate the parade.

Dream Day Event in Kannapolis: noon – 3 p.m., Jan. 13 

Following the parade there will be several free activities at the Laureate Center, at Kannapolis City Hall, from noon to 3 p.m.

Enjoy a fish fry lunch. The food is free with a donation for the non-perishable food drive.

Guests are invited to attend:

• Food trucks, fun and entertainment
• Minority business fair
• Health and wellness fair
• Local non-profit organization fair
• Historically Black College and University (HBCU) information fair
• Commemorative community mural
• Non-perishable food donation collection drive

Non-profit organizations serving Cabarrus County and local minority-owned businesses are encouraged to participate in the fair. Businesses may provide information, but sales are prohibited. Submit vendor applications by Jan. 5 at mlkccnc.com.

Keeper of the Dream Banquet in Concord: 3 p.m., Jan. 14

Beginning at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 14. The Keeper of the Dream Awards Banquet will recognize individuals in Cabarrus County who continue to keep Dr. King’s dream alive. The event will be held at City Club in Gibson Mill. Tim Atwell, executive of consumer data management and governance data for Wells Fargo and a native of Kannapolis will serve as the keynote speaker. This is a ticketed event.

For tickets, go to www.mlkccnc.com.

Memorial March and Wreath Laying in Concord: 11:30 a.m., Jan. 15

The Memorial March will be held on the campus of Barber Scotia College beginning at 11:30 a.m. and will travel along Cabarrus Avenue to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza.

The wreath laying ceremony will follow at noon and will feature speaker President Chris Rey of the Historic Barber-Scotia College.

Events are sponsored by the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Planning Committee of Concord-Cabarrus and the City of Kannapolis.