ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — James Thompson was a star on the side of the MLK Dream Big Parade in St. Petersburg.

What You Need To Know

  • MLK Dream Big Parade in St. Pete started downtown and ended at Tropicana Field for MLK Family Fun Day

  • One of the largest, oldest MLK parades in the country, in its 36th year

  • It's sponsored by Advantage Village Academy

  • Parade was part of weekend-long festivities honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

He cheered for beads and offered sprays of bubbles to parade walkers with beads and toys to throw.

“I love being around the community-love having interactions with people,” said Thompson.

The parade was part of the weekend-long festivities celebrating the civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr..

It traveled west down First Avenue South from downtown St. Pete toward Tropicana Field, offering bands, floats, city officials, advocacy groups and perspective.

Thompson’s friend Sonia Rivera is visiting from Honduras.

“It’s something that comes from the heart of your country, your people,” Rivera said of the gathering.

Rivera has been coming to the Tampa Bay area for seven years, and the parade is a continuing part of her U.S. experience.

“It’s something that really fills you," Rivera said. "Yeah, something that let's you get the best of people.”

People striving for a more just society. Thompson says Dr. King’s dream — it’s possible.

“It can work for everyone. Just give it chance,” said Thompson.