The City of Fort Lauderdale, in partnership with the Sistrunk Historical Organization, is amplifying the voices of the historic Sistrunk neighborhood with the 44th annual Sistrunk Parade and Festival on Saturday, February 24. This year, a 5k run will start the festivities at 7 a.m. followed by a grand parade showcasing dozens of community organizations starting at 8:30 a.m.
The parade starts at Lincoln Park and travels east down Sistrunk Boulevard to NW 9th Avenue with marching bands, step teams, classic cars, and floats! The route ends with a street festival on Sistrunk Boulevard from NW 9th Avenue to NW 13th Avenue showcasing live bands, interactive games, a kids’ zone, merchandise, food vendors and so much more!
“We are a city that celebrates diversity all year round, and during Black History Month we are honored to host the annual Sistrunk Parade and Festival with the goal of highlighting the rich and historic culture that shapes our beautiful community,” Mayor Dean Trantalis said.
Three Grand Marshals will lead the parade and represent valued community pillars, including:
- Politics: Vice Mayor and District 3 Commissioner Pam Beasley-Pittman
- Education: Retired Educator and St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church Champion Zarline Scott
- Community: Retired Educator and Community Advocate Lillian Smalls
“I am excited to celebrate and participate in the annual Sistrunk parade and festival,” Vice Mayor and District 3 Commissioner Pam Beasley-Pittman said. “The 44th annual event promotes unity, and I invite everyone to join the festivities as we proudly remember and honor Dr. James Sistrunk, one of the first African American physicians in Broward County.”
