Volunteers and parade entries are being sought for the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center’s 2023 Family Fun Day in Rock Island on Saturday, Aug. 19.
The annual event at the MLK Center at 630 Ninth St., and at the Martin Luther King Jr. Park across the street, is designed to celebrate all the community cultures as well as the strength in neighborhoods and families, according to a new release from the center.
Family Fun Day will once again feature a parade, food and merchandise vendors, informational booths, children’s activities, live entertainment, a dunk tank, and more. Those interested in volunteering should call (309) 732-2999 to register.
There is no fee to participate in the parade, but registration is required. Parade entries may sign up here. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, at Frances Willard Elementary School, 2503 Ninth St., and will head north on Ninth until it reaches the MLK Center. Family Fun Day festivities at the MLK Center and MLK Jr. Park will begin following the parade.
The MLK Center also is accepting applications for food and merchandise vendors, and information booths. Food vendors are required to comply with the City of Rock Island Temporary Food Standards, complete a Temporary Food and Beverage Permit Application. There is a $100 fee for food vendors, and a $50 fee for merchandise vendors. Informational booths participate at no charge.
The Family Fun Day Vendor Packet is available at mlkcenter.org/events/ffd23, or at the MLK Center.
The deadline to submit parade entry or vendor registrations is Friday, July 30. For more information please contact the MLK Center at (309) 732-2999.
This year, the MLK Center’s Family Fun Day is taking place in partnership with Polyrhythms Bill Bell Jazz & Heritage Festival. Other partners include NAACP of Rock Island County and Rock Island Parks & Recreation.
The Martin Luther King Center is focused on community building, education and service. Its major programs include Substance Use Prevention; Teenage Pregnancy Prevention; COVID-19 Community Outreach; Family Advocacy Center; free after-school and summer programs for children aged 6-14; a variety of clubs for people of all ages; free tax preparation assistance; four annual events for the community; and backbone support for the West End Revitalization.
