The City of Winter Park will celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and promote family heritage during the 21st Annual Unity Heritage Festival, Jan. 15 and 16, at Shady Park in Hannibal Square.
The festival began with the intent of recognizing and promoting the history of Hannibal Square and the contributions of its residents. It has gone from a one-day event to a two-day celebration that welcomes hundreds.
The schedule for Sunday, Jan. 15, will run from 1-5 p.m. Family-friendly events will include games, career booths, food and retail vendors, and entertainment by gospel artists and praise dancers. Nu Iota Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. will host job training and health and wellness information booths.
The event continues Monday, Jan. 16 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day – from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Community leaders will join representatives from the City of Winter Park for a program celebrating Dr. King, and for the presentation of the Heritage Award. Monday’s event will also include kids’ activities, vendors, and information booths. The entertainment lineup will feature wildlife and science presentations by Zoo Mom Science, and musical performances by Brenda White and Jabari Clay.
The festival will raise funds for the city’s Educational Fulfillment Fund, benefitting economically disadvantaged youth. And those in attendance are encouraged to visit the nearby Hannibal Square Heritage Center, which pays tribute to the contributions of Winter Park’s historic African American community.
Event sponsors include the City of Winter Park Community Redevelopment Agency and Parks & Recreation Department, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Nu Iota Omega Chapter and Crealdé School of Art. For more festival information, please call 407-599-3357.