Long County celebrated its second annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. parade and program Saturday.

The festivities began at 10 a.m., when the parade left Walker Elementary School and made its way through Ludowici. Though the day was cooler than recent weekends, those who were on hand cheered and collected candy thrown by participants on floats and in cars. Grand Marshal Nathaniel Carter was all smiles as he led the procession to Long County Middle School.

After the parade concluded, a large crowd gathered in the school cafeteria to honor and remember King. An invocation was given by Willie Thompson, followed by Lena Ryals welcoming all. Keynote speaker Vernell Jones spoke of how King was pivotal in the advances made in the civil rights movement, and Matthew Brewton presented King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. The day wrapped up with planning committee member Mary Hamilton thanking all who took part in the day.

Other committee members who organized the parade and program were Beverly Hill, Leroy Hill, DeWitt Porter, John Jones, Diane Berry, Harlan Gibbs, Jeannie Worth, Margariete Blakely, the Rev. Artie Davis and Thompson.