35th Annual MLK Parade Set for Monday Morning in Elizabethtown

Bladen County, this coming Monday is a very special day. Not only will our nation celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day but the Town of Elizabethtown will present its 35th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. parade.

The parade begins at 11 a.m. sharp Monday. For those who will be participating in the parade, the lineup begins at 9 a.m. at 805 West Broad Street in Elizabethtown, North Carolina.

Dr. King is best remembered for his "I Have A Dream" speech that he delivered on August 28, 1963. Dr. King gave his famous speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The Grand Marshal of this year's parade is the reigning United States of America 2024 Miss North Carolina Mariel "Mary" Lee. When you see Mariel in the parade Saturday, give her a big wave and wish her good luck. She will be traveling to San Antonio, Texas in July to represent the state of North Carolina in the 2024 United States of America Pageant. Mariel's platform includes the Cleft Lip and Palate and Cranio Facial Deformities along with Autism Awareness, Military Support and Breast Cancer.

The Junior Marshall of this year's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. parade is Alicia Holloway. Alicia holds the title of the Junior Miss All America North Carolina. Alicia currently attends the New Century International Elementary School in Fayetteville as a second grader.

If you need more information on Monday's Martin Luther King Jr. parade, contact Arthur Bullock, the Chairman of the parade committee at 910-876-7905 or Natasha Bullock Cromartie the Co-Chairman at 910-813-0279. If more convenient, you can also email Arthur Bullock at abullock1951@gmail.com.

If you have never taken the time to read Dr. King's historical speech, just click here.

A few years later in 1968, Dr. King was shot and killed at the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee.  Today, the facility is known as the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel.  For a virtual tour of the museum, click here.

There can be a lot of pressure and expectations around Valentine’s Day. A great Valentine's Day can be great for a relationship: if handled well, it can take a budding relationship to the next level. Or it can reignite a relationship that is years, or even decades, old.

On the other hand, a poorly executed Valentine's Day can have significant drawbacks, casting a shadow on a relationship. Failing to invest time in planning a meaningful day or falling short of expectations can lead to feelings of disappointment and resentment.

Driver Research reveals that Valentine's Day is celebrated by as many as 52% of consumers. Approximately 224 million roses are grown exclusively for the holiday, and about 3 out of every 10 Americans end up accumulating credit card debt due to their Valentine's Day spending.

Some people set unrealistic expectations for Valentine’s Day, setting themselves up for potential disappointment. But it's important to realize the day is about celebrating love, not showing off.

Another common pitfall is assuming their partners can read their minds about what they want on Valentine’s Day. It’s better to be clear about your wishes to avoid disappointments.

While gifts are always appreciated, it's important to remember that the value lies in the thought and effort behind the gift, not the price tag. Social media can exacerbate this pressure, with people flaunting extravagant gifts and experiences. Every relationship is unique, and there's no need to compare your Valentine’s Day with others.

Additionally, love shouldn't be confined to a single day a year. Consistently expressing love and appreciation throughout the year can alleviate stress associated with Valentine’s Day. Simple, spontaneous gestures, such as leaving a heartfelt note or a surprise gift, can go a long way in making someone feel loved and appreciated.

If you've had a not-so-great Valentine’s Day, learn from it and avoid these common mistakes next time. Take a look at some of the common Valentine’s Day mistakes to steer clear of for a smoother and more enjoyable celebration.

Having no plans, even with good intentions, can make you seem inconsiderate and unmotivated. While it's tempting to resort to last-minute convenience-store flowers or a generic box of chocolates, your partner likely knows you're more creative. Avoid scrambling to find the perfect last-minute Valentine's Day gifts. Instead, have a plan in place, making your partner feel valued with the thought you put into it ahead of time.

Valentine's Day is a peak time for restaurants, spas, and getaways, so avoid waiting until the eleventh hour to snag your spot. Many places fill up weeks or even months before the big day. According to Taste of Home, it's wise to plan and secure a reservation five to six weeks in advance. Mark it on your calendar to avoid any slip-ups. If you realize you forgot, try calling around to see if any restaurants have last-minute openings, or opt for a cozy romantic dinner at home.

Surprises are great, but when you gift your partner chocolate and roses and they surprise you with a trip to Hawaii or a new car, it can be a bit awkward. Although it's uncommon to have such a huge difference in gift budgets, having a quick chat before Valentine's Day can be beneficial. Set some guidelines. Maybe agree on a small budget, like under $20, or consider pooling funds for a more extravagant joint experience.

People often make the mistake of organizing Valentine's Day based on their preferences rather than considering what their partner likes. Avoid overlooking your partner's wishes or desires for the day. If your significant other prefers a cozy night at home over a fancy dinner, make sure your plans align with their preferences.

Even if you're not a big fan of Valentine's Day, your partner might be a total romantic, so don't act like it's just any regular day. You don't have to pull off a huge, fancy gesture every time, but completely ignoring it can be hurtful. Making a little effort shows you care. Complaining about the day doesn't help either. Some people see Valentine’s Day as a bit commercial, but pointing that out or making excuses to ignore it might disappoint your partner. Griping about putting effort into the day can quickly spoil anything special you decide to do for them.