Neither the bitter 30 degree temperatures, nor the biting 30 miles per hour winds could dampen the celebratory spirit of participants, onlookers and organizers at the Garland NAACP MLK Day Parade. Zion Baptist Church was represented well with a large float, our Genesis school bus, and parade cars for our major auxiliaries. It all began at 9:00 am on Saturday, January 19, 2019. The parade route began at Austin Academy on Beverly Drive and rolled through the city culminating at the Granville Performing Arts Center. A special program followed the parade featuring youth from all across Dallas County.
At Zion, the Youth Department began planning well in advance of the event. The float design was chosen and construction began on the large trailer. The design’s focus was on this year’s theme, Celebrating Garland’s 30th MLK Day and March. It featured a large white crown trimmed in glittery blue garland. The crown sat atop a blue base. Mounted high above the crown was the number “30”. A white “cake” display, trimmed in blue garland sat near the back of the float. Blue tassels hung around the entire float below 3 smaller crowns on each side. A banner hung from the very back that honored Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Special thanks to everyone involved in the creation of our entry float.
Our Zion procession included loaner cars and trucks from Rockwall Ford. A special thanks to Mr. John Bower for his efforts in procuring these incredibly nice vehicles for our use. He has helped us, supplying parade vehicles, for many years. The Genesis bus was included in our processional group, and offered a warm ride for our youth along the way; an alternative to those walking in the cold weather.
Our members passed out bags of candy and wished “HAPPY MLK DAY!”, to the crowds on both sides of the route.
Praise God for His favor and mercy. There were no reported accidents or injuries. Only a warm, spirit-filled celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Check out more photos on our Gallery page.
And get ready for Black History Month in February!
Be Blessed!
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