Wentzville's Martin Luther King Day Celebration Will Include Awards, Timberland Choir

Wentzville Holt High School will host Wentzville's eighth Martin Luther King Day celebration on Mon., Jan. 21, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The keynote speaker for the event is Pastor B.T. Rice of New Horizon Seven Day Christian Church.

There will be a presentation of youth scholarship awards and musical presentations from the Timberland High School A Cappella Choir and the Discovery Ridge Elementary Choir.

Refreshments will be served afterwards. The event is free and open to the public.

Former Wentzville Mayor Paul Lambi, one of the volunteers assisting with the promotion and planning of the event, said that he feels this year’s celebration holds special significance.

“This year’s celebration takes place the same day our country will swear in its first African American president for his second term. It is appropriate that we remember the journey which brought us here lest those who didn’t make the journey ever take for granted the society we enjoy today," Lambi said. "Come celebrate the ideals Dr. Martin Luther King espoused, relive the journey and realize what it has meant for all Americans.”

Barbara Love, owner of Barb’s Touch of Class Fashions & Beauty Supplies in Wentzville, has worked with many volunteers on past Martin Luther King Day celebrations and is the coordinator for this year’s event.

Love said they chose to hold the celebration in the evening to enable more people to attend. “When we held an evening celebration in 2007, I had many people stop by my shop later and tell me how much they appreciated being able to attend the celebration. Most Martin Luther King Day celebrations are held during the day when a lot of people are at work and can’t attend,” Love said.

Sponsors of this year's event are Sam's Club, the YMCA, Vantage Credit Union, Chick-Fil-A, Preferred Family Healthcare and Bob Evans.

Churches, organizations or individuals who want more information about the event are encouraged to call either, Barbara Love at (314) 591-8468, or Paul Lambi’s office at (636) 578-1774.