Ridgefield Playhouse Hosts 24th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration on Monday

Free Community Event at Ridgefield Playhouse Honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, Jan. 20 from 3-4:30 pm

Celebrate the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with music and song at this free event for the community! The 24th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration will honor the legacy of the great civil rights leader with an awards ceremony, speakers and performances.

The Spirit of Dr. King Community Service Award is presented to members of our town who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to community service and selflessness in the finest traditions of Dr. Martin Luther King. This annual tradition honors the memory of Dr. King and celebrates how that memory lives on in the good works of Ridgefielders today. This year’s ceremony honors Dr. Carol Mahlstedt, who was instrumental in leading the creation and operation of Compassionate Ridgefield and Project Resilience, which develops programs that promote the social and emotional growth and resilience of children and adolescents in Ridgefield.

This year’s ceremony will also include a special posthumous award presented to the family of Sharron Lavatori. Sharron served on many nonprofit committees, rolled up her sleeves to help whomever she could, and always offered kind words that came with generous deeds. She was known by many as "The Angel of Ridgefield.”

In addition to honoring Carol Mahlstedt and Sharron Lavatori, the event will include readings from A Better Chance of Ridgefield and performances by ACT Children's Chorus, The Ridgefield Chorale and actress Kimberly Wilson.