Residents gathered in downtown Naples Monday, Jan. 19 to celebrate the 29th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade. The parade kicked off at 11 a.m., drawing families to the sidewalks with kids waving flags and cheering as performers passed by. Floats, marching bands and community groups rolled through Third Street South and Fifth Avenue South.
Sheriff’s deputies led the parade and greeted families along the route. Dozens of local organizations followed behind, including youth groups, churches, dance troupes and civic clubs.
After the parade wrapped up, crowds flowed into Cambier Park for an afternoon celebration that lasted until 4 p.m. Food, games and live entertainment kept the park busy, and children packed around tents while local performers rotated through musical and dance sets.
The Collier County branch of the NAACP organized the parade and festival with support from community sponsors, civic groups and dozens of volunteers. High school students, historically Black Greek-letter organizations and longtime community leaders returned once again to participate.
During the festival at Cambier Park, Naples Mayor Teresa Heitmann honored the late Harold Weeks Jr., noting his decades of service to the NAACP and the community.
