Meridian area churches, businesses, marching bands, car clubs, dance groups and even horses and dogs drove and walked in the 18th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade Monday in downtown Meridian.

Thousands watched the parade, organized by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and Committee, from the sidelines and cheered on their friends, family and favorite floats.

“I’ve been to so many parades I can’t even think of a number,” Roise Hopson, of Meridian, said. 

“But every year it gets better and better,” Vera Williams, also of Meridian, added. “The weather (was) so good and pleasant (Monday) that I couldn’t miss it.”

Hopson and Williams agreed that remembering Martin Luther King Jr. was more important than ever with the current state of events, citing gang violence nationwide. 

“But, today, it’s a joy to be here,” Williams said. 

Many floats used this year’s theme, “Reaffirming the dream to make non-violence and social justice a reality,” in their designs and featured Black Lives Matter, Say No to Hatred, Hands Up Don’t Shoot and Stop the Violence chants. 

Pam Graham, the parade coordinator of the committee, announced the parade’s winners as: Bartholomew Missionary Baptist Church, of Newton, in third place; the Agape Storehouse in second place; and the 5th Street Baptist Church in first place.

The 5th Street Baptist Church float featured a rotating carousel as part of its design. 

The parade ended at City Hall, at 601 23rd Avenue, and featured Glenda Thomas, one of the founding committee members, as a speaker. 

“(Martin Luther King Jr.) was far from silent. He was willing to step up and stand firm for his beliefs,” Thomas said. “Where there was in justice he was there and that’s why we remember him.”

Committee chairman Greg Lane closed the ceremony by encouraging more volunteering and charity in the community. 

“When you get back home today, think of someone you can give back to today,” Lane said. 

Paul Ford sat on the front row on the lawn of City Hall with his 3-year-old son, Dru, to listen to the speakers. 

“I always enjoy coming up and seeing what people have to say,” Ford said. “And I want my son to get involved and know what it’s about.”

Ford said the celebrations for and lessons from Martin Luther King Jr. would teach his son about his heritage and to keep the peace.

“It’s important to me that he learns to treat all people as equals,” Ford said. 

The committee’s next event, the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Gala, is scheduled at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the MSU-Riley Center. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased from any committee member. Lane asked those wanting to buy tickets to call his cell at (601) 934-5528.