A week late, but better than ever
By TIM GULLA Ledger Staff Writer tim@gaffneyledger.com

Despite a chill in the air that forced most attendees to bundle up, Saturday's 9th annual parade honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. benefitted from good crowds and greater participation than ever, according to event organizers.

A week-long delay in the parade because of inclement weather Jan. 19 actually was a "blessing in disguise," according to parade cochair Charles Montgomery.

Participation by groups marching in the parade jumped from the 62 confirmed for Jan. 19 to 75 on Saturday. And there was only one cancellation, Montgomery said. A marching band from Charlotte couldn't make the rescheduled date.

The crowds lining Limestone Street further contributed to the smiles on the faces of Montgomery and parade chairwoman Mary Jolly.

"It's a good feeling," Montgomery said.

"We get more every year," Jolly noted.

Sponsored by the Cherokee County Branch of the NAACP, the parade in Gaffney is one of few Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. parades in the Upstate. Montgomery said only York County has something similar in the Upstate region.

Bryson Harris, 3, watches with fascination Saturday as marching bands and other entries in the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade pass by. (Ledger photos / TIM GULLA)

"Dr. King had a dream that we as people, black and white, would come together as one," said Montgomery, who was among the first integrated graduating class of Gaffney High School.

"It's to keep (Dr. King's) dream alive and let people know his dream still lives," Jolly said.