Franklin County Visitors Bureau invites the public to join Franklin County organizations to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and his legacy this January. Events are open to the public and include worship services, educational workshops, sports games, volunteer projects, and more. A full list of these events is available at mlkdayfranklincounty.org.

Hoops for Harmony, a basketball tournament, will be held January 13-15 at the Chambersburg Area High School fieldhouse. This tournament showcases various high school basketball teams from Central Pennsylvania, as well as all over the eastern region.

On Sunday, January 15 at 3 PM, The United Churches of the Chambersburg Area will hold the annual remembrance of Dr. King at the Central Presbyterian Church, 40 Lincoln Way W., Chambersburg. Children and Youth Essayists sponsored by faith communities will present their essays that relate to the 2023 Theme: Together, we can be THE DREAM. This Day of Worship will also be live streamed and available to watch online.

Day of Learning is a free series of workshops coordinated by Racial Reconciliation of Franklin County. The event will take place on Monday, January 16 from 8:30 AM-5 PM at Central Presbyterian Church 40 Lincoln Way W., Chambersburg. Participants will dive into principles and issues surrounding diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, community-building, and social cohesion. Dr. Tony Allen, President of Delaware University, will provide a keynote presentation.

Day of Learning also features free activities for kids and teens, including a Children’s Track (grades K-5th) and a Youth Track (grades 6th-12th). The children and youth tracks will begin at 8:30 AM at Coyle Free Library, 102 N. Main St., Chambersburg, ending at 5pm at Central Presbyterian Church. Each will feature a paint party and a session on the percussive art form of stepping. The children’s track will also include the construction of peace trees, puppetry, and story time, while the youth track will feature an iSeventeen workshop and the opportunity to create urban poetry with artist, author, and guest performer Julian Davenport.

MLK Day of Service is observed as “a day on, not a day off” as volunteers are sent to complete service projects at local nonprofits. MLK Day of Service is a rewarding way for families, friends, neighbors, and colleagues to make a lasting impact on their community in the spirit of Dr. King’s vision of the Beloved Community. Volunteers will check-in and enjoy breakfast as well as a brief program beginning at 8 AM at the Franklin County Visitors Bureau, 15 S. Main St., Chambersburg. Reverend Renata Harper of John Wesley AME Zion Church and Megan Shreve, CEO of South Central Community Action Programs will provide keynote presentations speaking about Dr. King’s vision for a Beloved Community.

In addition to these events, a drive and an essay contest honoring the spirit of Dr. King will begin on MLK Day and run through Friday, February 10. United Way of Franklin County will host their Annual Winter Warmth Drive to support the basic needs of families in our community by making sure they are warm, clean, and well-fed. The Franklin County Visitors Bureau will host an essay contest with $500 in cash prizes to be awarded. Essayists should answer the question: What is your right thing? Share a personal story, influences, thoughts, ideas, etc. and submit to jpollard@explorefranklincountypa.com.