Cold weather didn’t dampen spirits Monday as citizens turned out to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and join in its festivities.
The day kicked off at 8 a.m. with an Ecumenical Unity March down Martin Luther King Drive, followed by the downtown parade at 10 a.m.
Immediately after the parade, a Youth Rally was held at the Minden Civic Center and essay and winners were announced.
The Richardson Elementary Choir performed at the rally followed by a step presentation by members of Phi Delta Kappa Kudos.
Sibley native and Ms. Wiley College Shammia Williams gave a motivational speech.
Isaiah Boston was awarded with the Martin Luther King Leadership Award.
Essay contest winners
4th through 5th grade: first place – Brelyn Winzer Jackson, second place – Chloe Candler and third place – Alex Martin.
6th through 8th: first place – Brianna Davis, second place – Anna Grace Harris and third place – Connor Heard.
9th through 12th grade: first place – Tayler Banks, second place – Camryn Banks and third place – Destini Powell.
Poster contest winners
Kindergarten through 2nd grade: first place – Brooklyn Davis, second place – JaLeah Richardson and third place – Tatum Oliver.
3rd through 5th grade: first place – Jaiden Harris, second place – Jessica Montgomery and third place – no name.
6th through 8th grade: first place – Mercedes Murray and second place – Messiah Sanders.
9th through 12th grade: first place – Mary Claire Boothe, second place – Courtney Corbet and third place – Michaela Shockley.
Parade winners
Best decorated car/truck: first place – Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, second place – Delta Kappa and third place – Vintage Car Club.
Best decorated float: first place – Mt. Zion CME Church, second place – Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and third place – Red River Chapter, Jack & Jill of America.
Most spirited group: first place – E. S. Richardson Elementary, second place – Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and third place – Epsilon Rho Kudo/Xinos.
Best band performance: first place – Minden High School.
Outstanding participation awards went to Richardson Elementary School for the essay contest, Minden High School for the poster contest and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority for the parade.
