How to Join Baltimore's Martin Luther King Day Parade

Baltimore has a well organized Martin Luther King Day Parade with online entry forms and a route that winds up Martin Luther King Boulevard. After the parade, join other visitors to Baltimore for Martin Luther King Day observances by making your way into Washington, DC to view the area attractions.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Lodgings in Baltimore
• Approval for your parade entry

Head to the Parade

1. Apply for your entry into the parade. There are different forms for bands and for "special units." These forms can be accessed online (see Resources below).

2. Know that every year the parade has a theme to go along with Dr. King's message of equality and social justice. In 2007 the parade theme was "Honoring Baltimore's Pioneering Women." When you register your entry into the parade, you will be apprised of the theme.

3. Make your way to Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard at Eutaw Street where the parade in Dr. King's honor commences. The parade begins at noon so if you are a participant you will want to arrive at least 30 minutes early to claim your space among other revelers.

4. Join Baltimore's service clubs such as the Girl Scouts and the Urban League in using the Martin Luther King Day parade as a reminder to make service commitments for the rest of the year. Any type of socially conscious volunteer work was strongly proposed by Dr. King.

Find a Hotel

5. Locate a hotel that will give you easy access to the parade start point. The Biltmore Suites Baltimore, the Clarion Hotel at Peabody Court and the Hilton Pikesville are all fairly close to the parade route.

6. Stay in more homelike surroundings in a bed and breakfast. Phoenix Risin' on the Park and Mr. Mole Bed and Breakfast are a little farther afield that the other hotels, but may provide a comfort that is more your style.

Tips & Warnings

• Join Baltimore's Martin Luther King Day parade wearing your warmest coat and most comfortable, waterproof shoes. The parade is meant to be a time of remembrance and celebration, which can be difficult to conjure up when you are freezing and wet.
• Baltimore has some neighborhoods that are not so safe after dark. Keep a map with you and ask your hotel concierge for safe routes to and from events.

Resources

• Special unit entry form
• Band application form