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By Erin Smith

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Residents of Bladen County came together on Monday morning to celebrate Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Festivities for the day kicked off at 11 a.m. with the annual parade through the downtown of Elizabethtown.

The parade included entries from several car and motorcycle clubs in the region, beauty queens, churches, businesses, elected officials and schools. It was estimated there were 190 motorcycles took part in the parade.

Following the parade, several programs and events took place to mark Dr. King’s birthday. A program was conducted at the Elizabethtown Presbyterian Church with Pastor Willie J. McCaskill II as the guest speaker. The service is sponsored by the Bladen Presbyterian Parish. A light lunch was served and those gathered sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

Pastor McCaskill serves at Freedom East and Panthersford Presbyterian Churches in Raeford. He is a veteran of the United States Army where he served for eight years.

Juana Moore and Akira Collins both sang solos and the Choir of Freedom East and Panthersford Presbyterian Churches also performed during the program.

The Cape Fear Masonic Lodge No. 300 held a lunch following the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade. The meal was well attended by numerous members of the community.

“We do this every year,” said Arthur Bullock, who is a member of the Lodge. They are assisted by members of the Order of the Eastern Star, which is a sister organization.

Evangelist Fletcher Collins said Unity in the Community, wrapped up with a meal following the parade, as well. Motorcyclists who took in the parade were invited to join the Dedicated Soulz members behind the Paul R. Brown Leadership Academy for a meal and fellowship time.

All of the events were well attended and there was plenty of fellowship and a time for learning.