Hannibal Square will host a celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with the 23rd Annual Unity Heritage Festival, happening Sunday and Monday, January 19-20.
Events on both days will take place at Shady Park, located at the intersection of Pennsylvania and New England avenues. And the Hannibal Square Heritage Center will reopen as part of event programming on January 19.
The Heritage Center, run by Crealdé School of Art, has been closed since the December 3 firing of manager Barbara Chandler by outgoing Crealdé Executive Director Peter Schreyer, who previously announced he would be stepping down at the end of 2024. The reasons behind the firing were not detailed, but current Crealdé Executive Director Emily Bourmas-Fry told the32789 that the school is seeking a new Heritage Center manager and working to expand its community programs.
“We are excited to welcome the community back with enhanced programming that highlights the art, culture, and stories central to the Heritage Center,” Bourmas-Fry said. Chandler told the32789 that she will continue her work in the Hannibal Square community through her firm, Barbara Chandler Productions.
The Unity Heritage Festival evolved from a one-day gathering to two days of programming that also raises funds for the Educational Fulfillment Fund, benefitting local economically disadvantaged youth.
The 2025 Unity Heritage Festival schedule is as follows:
- Sunday, Jan. 19, 1-5 p.m.: Gospel music, food and retail vendors, career booths, kids’ activities, Zoo Mom Science, Hannibal Square Heritage Center exhibits open to the public.
- Monday, Jan. 20, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.: Heritage Award presentation at 11 a.m., food and retail vendors, career booths, kids’ activities, Zoo Mom Science, live Jazz & Blues performances.
Additional event partners include the City of Winter Park Community Redevelopment Agency, Parks & Recreation Department, and Men of Integrity Mentoring Program, Inc. For more information on the 23rd Annual Unity Heritage Festival, please call 407-599-3357.