Although the entire month of February is Black History Month, the biggest celebration in Plant City is happening this weekend.
The Black Heritage Festival, going on its 11th year, is operating under the theme “A Legacy to Fulfill,” honoring late influential figures in the community. Events will be held over four days — three of which are consecutive — and will feature live music, a carnival and more.
The carnival midway opens at 10 a.m. Feb. 14 at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Rec Center, 1601 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., kicking off the festivities with fun. That evening, the Heritage Banquet will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Trinkle Center and will feature Channel 10’s Reginald Roundtree as master of ceremonies and Army Reserve Lt. Col. Cynthia Cook as keynote speaker. Tickets are $30 and will be available at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce through Friday. Tickets will not be sold at the door.
The midway opens up again at 10 a.m. Feb. 15, and the parade begins at 1 p.m. The parade will start at the corner of Lake Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and end at the MLK Rec Center. Vivian “Vip” Williams will lead the parade as grand marshal. After the parade, celebrity journalist Lexi Lewis will host entertainment from 2 to 8 p.m., with a performance from “American Idol” finalist DeAndre Scot Brackensick at 4 p.m.
The midway opens a little later Feb. 16, starting at noon, and also ends two hours early at 8 p.m. The rec center will host a gospel concert from 2 to 8 p.m. that features recording artist Yolanda Ford, gospel group Revealing Truth and the Durant and Blake high school choirs.
On Feb. 22, the Winn-Dixie (formerly Sweetbay) Supermarket at 205 W. Alexander St. will feature free entertainment and police and fire department displays and serve free food from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.