By JOYANNA LOVE/Senior Staff Writer

The Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade is returning to Clanton for the 24th year on Jan 15.

Organizer Robert Binion said participants will begin lining up at noon at Jack Hayes Field in Clanton City Park, and the parade will begin at 1 p.m.

He said the parade serves as a time to support diversity and equality in the community, as well as remember King and the beginnings of the Civil Rights Movement.

“It’s important,” Binion said. “We want diversity and equality in the state and in the nation.”

Ford Mustangs, Hopewell Church’s float, horses from Union Springs and community members will be among the participants.

From Jack Hayes Field, the parade will proceed on Third Avenue North, then make a left on Sixth Street. The parade will continue on Sixth Street until Jackson Avenue. After making a right onto Jackson Avenue, the parade will go right onto Highway 31, followed by a left turn onto Second Avenue, then a left on Martin Luther King Jr. Street. From there, the parade will turn onto First Avenue North before turning onto 14th Street and proceeding to E.M. Henry Recreational Center.

Binion said there will be a program at E.M. Henry following the parade.

Rev. Stanley Ward of Maplesville will be the guest speaker. Binion said there will also be singing and time for people to talk about what the day means to them.

Jesus Outreach Ministry will also hold a raffle throughout the program. Tickets are $2 with prizes of $300, $200 and $100 being awarded at the end of the day.