The Indian River County community is gearing up for a significant celebration of history, unity, and the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Next week, Gifford will host its annual parade and program, bringing residents together under the inspiring theme: “Remembering the Past While Embracing the Future.”
This year’s festivities, organized by the MLK Birthday Committee of Indian River County, promise to be a poignant tribute to the civil rights leader who would have turned 97 this year. While the events are a time for warmth and community spirit, attendees should prepare for unseasonably chilly conditions.
Weather Alert: Bundle Up for the Parade
Residents planning to attend the Monday morning parade should take note of the forecast. Meteorologists are predicting this to be the coldest day of the week for the Vero Beach area. Temperatures at the start of the event are expected to dip into the low-to-mid 40s, with wind chills making it feel like the upper 30s.
Parade Details and Route Information
The main event is scheduled for Monday, January 19, 2026. The parade will serve as a vibrant display of community pride, followed immediately by a program at the Victor Hart Sr. Community Enhancement Complex.
For those planning to watch or participate, here is the essential timeline and route information:
The route will see walkers and vehicles merging to head south to 45th Street, traveling westbound on 45th Street, and then turning northbound on 43rd Avenue to conclude at the Victor Hart Sr. Community Enhancement Complex.
Honoring Local History
Leading the procession as the 2026 Grand Marshal is a figure synonymous with preserving local heritage: Jonnie Mae Perry. As the longtime Gifford Historian and president of the Indian River County Historical Society, Perry has been instrumental in expanding the Gifford Historical Museum and Cultural Center.
Larry Staley, president of the MLK Birthday Committee, noted that Perry was selected for her tireless volunteer work and her strides in making life better for all mankind, not just a specific group.
Reflecting on her selection as Grand Marshal, Perry shared her thoughts on the responsibility it entails:
“It is a reminder for me to continue to strive for Dr. King’s legacy of justice and equality for all and to live a life of service and purpose. I hope I honor my community by embodying Dr. King’s legacy of service and unity while inspiring others to do the same.”
Scholarship Banquet and Additional Events
The celebration of Dr. King’s life extends beyond the parade. The MLK Birthday Committee will also host its annual Scholarship Banquet on Saturday, January 17. The event will be held at the Gifford Youth Achievement Center gymnasium (4875 43rd Ave).
Doors for the banquet open at 5:00 p.m., with the event starting at 6:00 p.m. The evening will feature guest speaker Rev. Desmond Cook, the chaplain for the Miami Dolphins.
As the community gathers to honor a man who preached nonviolence and advocated for equal rights, organizers hope the events will spark continued unity in Indian River County. Teddy Floyd, vice-president of the committee and a retired sheriff’s deputy, emphasized that the holiday is a day of hope, encouraging neighbors to look past appearances and focus on the heart.
