OVIEDO, Fla. — Cities and counties across the area came together today to honor and celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

The federal holiday, observed on the third Monday of January, brought a host of events. In Oviedo, the city held its 20th annual MLK Jr. Day Parade, featuring community leaders, organizations, and special guests.

The parade’s grand marshals included six players from the Lake Mary Little League team, who won the championship last year, as well as Spectrum News 13’s evening anchor, Tammie Fields.

The day kicked off at Oviedo High School, where Kathy Hunt, the parade organizer and president of Oviedo Citizens in Action (OCI), reflected on the event’s growth over the years.

“It started out small, but this year, as it’s growing and growing and growing, and it’s just important that we do this for the community,” said Hunt.

This year’s parade saw participation from 32 organizations, including nonprofits, schools, and local groups. Hunt emphasized that the event and its collaboration with the City of Oviedo highlight the strength of the community.

“It shows the growth. It shows that, you know, years ago when I first moved here 30 years ago, there was nothing out here but chickens. But to be able to partner with organizations for the city, to be able to partner with organizations like OCI and a sense of belonging, that this is our community, we belong,” she shared.

Hunt also delivered a message of inspiration to attendees, encouraging them to live by Dr. King’s legacy.

“Remember the dream and celebrate the legacy, but be a doer, dream doer. Make sure that it manifests. Then your hands and then your eyes, and then come back and give back to the community,” Hunt said.

The parade concluded at Center Lake Park, where the community gathered for entertainment, games, food, and more, making it a day of reflection, unity, and celebration.