Kailua-Kona will celebrate its 38th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Kailua-Kona community celebration Jan. 20 at the Old Kona Airport Beach Park Makaeo pavilion, AKA the big pavilion. A complimentary luncheon will be at 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; program will start at 1:15 p.m., free and open to the public.
The program participants will be The West Hawaii County Band, The Kona Choral Society, Kona Marshallese Assembly, Performers from the University of the Nations, Binti Bailey, West Hawaii Dance Academy Students, Kona Choral Society Youth Chorus, Konawaena High School Drama Students, MLK Interfaith Community Choir and more.
The late Frank Bramlett paved the way for this annual celebration in Kailua-Kona 38 years ago; along with his wife Mamie Bramlett, and Virginia Halliday to honor the great civil rights leader. Later the group was joined by Kathy Simmons. Each year, along with volunteers and donors, they planned and organized this event annually for many years, until it was necessary to form a committee because of its popularity. A committee formed in 2008, and each year they plan and work to bring this celebration to life.
In 1983, President Ronald Regan signed a bill creating a U.S. federal holiday in honor of Dr. King. Observed on the third Monday of January, it was first celebrated in 1986.
For additional information contact Virginia Halliday at 325-1112 or Mamie Bramlett, at 331-1448. Please come and join the celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.