Columbia Parks and Recreation Plans "At Home"; Unified Candlelight March for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday

Columbia Parks and Recreation is organizing an "at home" commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 18.

The department will not hold its annual Candlelight March and Memorial celebration due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, residents are encouraged to honor Dr. King by having their own candlelight marches in their neighborhoods.

Residents who would like to participate are encouraged to light a candle at 6 p.m. on Jan. 18 and walk around their neighborhoods, concluding at 6:10 p.m. Marches should be planned safely with only members of the same household in a group.

Parks and Recreation has a limited number of free candles available to the public, on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a limit of two candles per household. Candles are available through Friday Jan. 15, or while supplies last.

Candles can be picked up at the Armory Sports and Community Center, 701 E. Ash, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, please call 573.874.7460, or email [email protected].