Winter Garden to host annual MLK parade, celebration

Join the city of Winter Garden from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a variety of events throughout the day. The celebration begins with a parade through the historic downtown. Free entertainment and family-friendly activities at the Downtown Pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Ave. will start at 11:30 a.m.

Award-winning guitarist and vocalist Selwyn Birchwood will entertain the crowd with his soulful blues, rhythm and blues, and rock music from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. He labels his original music style as “electric swamp funkin’ blues.”

From 2:30 to 4 p.m., Sugar Vibe will perform its original music inspired by pop, rock, electronic, and rhythm and blues.

Various children’s activities will be offered, including lawn games, a rock-climbing wall, video game truck, face painting and photo opportunities.

Refreshment vendors will have a variety of food, snacks and drinks available for purchase, such as barbecue, Asian bowls, hot dogs, cheesesteak sandwiches, empanadas, cinnamon roasted nuts, kettle corn, ice cream and smoothies; and downtown Winter Garden restaurants will be open as well.

Parking is available at the parking garage, behind Winter Garden City Hall, and at the Sam Williams Little League Complex and Veterans Memorial Park. The city will provide free shuttle bus service from the offsite parking areas. Roads in the downtown vicinity will be closed from 2 a.m. until about 6 p.m.