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Martin Luther King Day parade cold, but kids still had fun
Lon Harden MLK parade grand marshal
The Grand Marshal for the 2025 Martin Luther King Day parade in Springfield was Rev. Lon Harden. Rev. Harden is accompanied by his wife Lady Shelia Reese Harden. (Photos by Barbara Augsdorfer/Effingham Herald.)

By Barbara Augsdorfer, Editor for the Effingham Herald

The near-freezing temperature may have kept the crowds smaller than usual for the annual Martin Luther King Day parade in Springfield, but the kids still had fun gathering candy thrown from the cars and floats.

Kids and parents lined Laurel Street bundled up in winter coats, earmuffs, scarves and hoodies.

Parade participants included churches, the combined bands from Effingham County and South Effingham high schools, South Effingham High School JROTC, and winners of the MLK poster and essay contests sponsored by the Effingham County NAACP.

Rev. Lon Harden was the grand marshal.

 

Help Manna House Upgrade Its Parking Lot
Manna House
Friends of Manna House volunteers Theresa Gardner, left, and Kaye Shuman load food into vehicles to help distribute meals to families in need. Their efforts support the pantry’s mission to provide essential food and hope to the community. (Submitted photo)
Friends of Manna House is fundraising in August to renovate the busy food pantry parking lot. The community is invited to shop donated décor and support the project.
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