The City of Dalton and surrounding areas will observe closures and host events in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 19, 2024. Residents should take note of adjusted schedules for various services and exciting community activities during this period.
Holiday Closures and Adjusted Services
City offices, including the City of Varnell and Dalton Utilities, will close on January 19 in observance of the Martin Luther King holiday. Regular business hours will resume on January 20 at 8 a.m. The City of Dalton has also announced that there will be no garbage or recycling collections on this day. To accommodate residents, collections originally scheduled for Monday will occur on Tuesday, January 20.
Community Events Celebrating Dr. King’s Legacy
Several events are organized to celebrate Dr. King’s contributions and legacy. The MLK Health Fair will take place at the Mack Gaston Community Center from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on January 19. Hosted by the Dalton/Whitfield NAACP, the event will provide free health screenings and resources on fitness, nutrition, mental health, and legal assistance.
On the weekend preceding the holiday, the Georgia State Championship for Speedcubing will be held at the Dalton Convention Center from January 17 to January 18. Participants will compete in solving the Rubik’s Cube and other puzzles as quickly as possible, organized by Southeast Cubing, Inc.
A Sunday Costuming Cafe and Swap on January 18 will offer attendees the chance to create costumes using various fabrics and jewelry, with refreshments available. Entry costs $10 at the door.
The week following the holiday will also see important meetings, including the Public Safety Commission Meeting on January 20 at 8:30 a.m. at City Hall. This commission oversees the city’s public safety operations and reviews licensing applications.
The Dalton-Whitfield Joint Development Authority will meet on the same day at 9 a.m. to discuss local development initiatives. Additionally, a finance meeting will take place at City Hall at 5 p.m. on January 19, focusing on budget and financial updates.
Upcoming community gatherings include the Creative Connections Arts Educators’ Conference on January 26 at the Creative Arts Guild, bringing together local educators for professional development. The HOLA community conversation, featuring a panel of Hispanic leaders, is scheduled for January 28 at Dalton Utilities.
For those interested in economic discussions, the Economic Outlook Breakfast will occur on January 29 at the Dalton Convention Center, covering trends that impact local and national economies.
Finally, the Friends of the Library Book Sale is set for February 7, with a Future Fest planned on February 11 to engage high school students in career opportunities in the Greater Dalton area.
Residents are encouraged to participate in these events and take advantage of the services offered while honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
