Mesa will hold its annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day events on Monday, January 19, featuring a parade and community festival in downtown Mesa. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Mission Possible: Building Bridges, Building Community,” reflecting the Mesa-East Valley MLK Celebration Committee’s view that Dr. King’s vision of a united community can be achieved through joint effort.
The day begins with the Mesa-East Valley Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade from 11 a.m. to noon. The parade route starts at Center Street and MLK Way, moves south on Center Street to First Street, then east to Hibbert where it ends. Participants include marching bands, local organizations, elected officials, and City of Mesa departments. The Sun Valley Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., an organization focused on improving the lives of children—especially African-American children—will serve as grand marshal.
After the parade, a festival will take place from noon to 4 p.m. at The Plaza at Mesa City Center (56 E. Main St.). Activities include food vendors, music, line dancing trivia, raffle prizes and a Kids Unity Corner with crafts and activities for children. Vitalant will host a blood drive during the event.
At 1 p.m., there will be an awards presentation recognizing nine individuals and one business for their contributions to the community.
Street closures are planned around the parade route between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m., including sections of First Street, Centennial Way, Pasadena, Hibbert, Wilbur and Pomeroy streets; additional closures start at 8 a.m., affecting Center Street between University Drive and Pepper Place among others; Pepper Place between Center Street and Centennial Way will remain closed until 7 p.m.
The parade route is expected to reopen by 2 p.m., with adjacent streets reopening as traffic control is removed. Detours are available via Main Street, Mesa Drive, Country Club Drive and University Drive.
Public transit services such as bus and light rail will run on regular weekday schedules but Downtown Buzz service along Center Street between Main Street and University Drive will be suspended from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Riders are encouraged to use the Valley Metro app or check valleymetro.org/rider-alerts for updates about detours or changes in service (https://www.valleymetro.org/how-to-ride/online-tools/app).
The events are organized by the Mesa-East Valley MLK Committee in partnership with the City of Mesa Government and supported by sponsors including Banner Health and Cox Communications.
“Mesa’s annual MLK celebrations were created after residents, in 1996, voted to establish a citywide holiday recognizing the leadership of Dr. King,” according to organizers.
More information can be found on the Mesa-East Valley MLK website.
