About Us
2026 MLK Parade & Rally Celebration
MHSCTC, Inc. is proud to co-organize the 2026 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Parade & Rally Celebration with First Macedonia MB Church held in beautiful Punta Gorda, FL on Monday, January 19, 2026 at 11:00am. The theme for the 2026 event is "The Struggle Continues; We Will Not Quit!" Scripture:1 Corinthians 15:58
If you should have any questions concerning the parade, please contact one of the following:
General Chairperson, Sister Zelda Smith, also Chairperson of Public Relations/Media/Publicity at (941) 286-3849
General Vice Chairperson, Rev. Kevin Shaw at (910) 238-6844 or General Secretary, Sister Cheryl LaVecchio, (941) 204-7359
General Information
During this event we organize and implement a countywide parade in honor of the extraordinary efforts, influences and accomplishments of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. toward peace, justice and equal opportunity for all. (The youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize). The parade is followed by a rally program where a local citizen is recognized with the MLK award, as well as dignitaries, sponsors and a theme speaker. This program will be held at the Cooper Street Recreation Center-YMCA, 650 Mary Street in Punta Gorda, FL.
Parade Route Information
The parade route will be the same as last year's route. Staging will be near the Charlotte Harbor Event Center, located at 75 Taylor Street in Punta Gorda, FL. Staging time for parade float participants will be at 9:00AM and walkers at 10:00AM. The parade will begin promptly at 11:00AM at 75 Taylor St. in Punta Gorda, traveling south on Taylor St. to Charlotte Ave., east on Charlotte Ave, then south on Mary St. to the Cooper Street Recreation Center-YMCA for disbanding.
Forms Required
A 2026 Parade Entrance Form and 2026 Vendor Form is required. For your convenience you can download the required forms listed under the DOWNLOADS area below. All forms downloaded, once saved, will be able to be completed by typing your information into the text boxes on the forms, save completed document on your computer or other devices and then attach the document to an email to MHSCTC.MLK@gmail.com. Any questions on this, please contact General Secretary, Sis. Cheryl LaVecchio, (941) 204-7359.
These forms may be returned to us by email, mail to MHSCTC, 411 E. Charlotte Avenue, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 or FAX to (941) 637-0846. All applications MUST be submitted no later than January 12, 2026.
Vendor fees must be paid to MHSCTC before January 18, 2026.