Registration Opens for 2022 MLK Drum Major Parade

2022 MLK Drum Major Parade To Be Held On Saturday, Jan. 15 As Part Of Grand Strand Freedom Week

Event Moved From Monday To Boost Participation, Float Registration Now Open

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.—Organizers of Grand Strand Freedom Week in Myrtle Beach are making plans to celebrate the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Jan. 14-19, 2022, with a series of events, including the annual MLK Drum Major Parade to be held along Ocean Blvd. in Myrtle Beach on Saturday, Jan. 15, at 10 a.m. The week’s events are being organized by the Carolina African American Heritage Foundation (CAAHF) in partnership with the City of Myrtle Beach and the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (MBACC).

“Grand Strand Freedom Week is all about bringing our residents and communities together and empowering each other through education and support. The highlight of the week’s events is our spirited MLK Drum Major Parade, which was unfortunately canceled last year due to COVID, but is expected to be bigger and better in 2022,” said CAAHF Chairwoman Marcella Swans.

In years past, the parade occurred on Monday to coincide with the MLK Day federal holiday; however, organizers made the decision to move the parade to Saturday in order to boost participation.

“As we work to grow the events planned around this special occasion, we believe holding the parade on Saturday will not only increase attendance but allow for more floats. With this goal in mind, we’re encouraging area businesses and other groups to sign up now to be a part of this celebration of community and unity,” said MBACC President and CEO Karen Riordan.

For more information on all the events planned for Grand Strand Freedom Week and to RSVP, visit www.caahf.net. Parade participants are asked to register by Dec. 31, 2021. There’s no cost to participate in the parade. To register, fill out the online form found on www.caahf.net or contact MBACC Parade Coordinator Will Williams at (843) 446-5494 or will.williams@visitmyrtlebeach.com.