FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Thousands of people packed the streets for the 46th annual Sistrunk Parade and Festival along the historic Sistrunk Boulevard corridor in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday morning.
The event is one of South Florida’s longest‑running community celebrations, honoring the culture, history, and contributions of the African American community in Fort Lauderdale.
The festivities began early with the Sistrunk 5K run, which started at 7 a.m. from Samuel Delevoe Park. Runners and walkers wove through the historic neighborhood, energized by cheering spectators and community camaraderie.
The parade, fueled by music, colorful floats, marching bands, and school groups, rolled down Sistrunk Boulevard, bringing music and excitement to the streets.
Local 10 anchor Calvin Hughes served as one of four grand marshals for this year’s event, greeting paradegoers and celebrating with families.
Participants included ROTC units, classic cars, dance troupes, and community organizations — all contributing to the lively atmosphere.
Watch the full parade in the video below.
Organizers emphasized that the Sistrunk Festival goes beyond entertainment.
Sebastian Bromfield of Sistrunk Historical Festival, Inc. explained that the celebration remains deeply rooted in honoring the legacy of Dr. Sistrunk, an influential physician whose work shaped generations in the community.
“This corridor itself was named after Dr. Sistrunk,” Bromfield told Local 10’s Linne Supall. “He himself birthed over four generations of people that have come up, lived, thrived in this community. So we are giving back today as an honor to him for all he’s done — all his contributions as a doctor and caregiver.”
But the Sistrunk Parade is just one part of the day. The street festival — free and open to everyone — continues through 8 p.m. with live gospel music, dancing, food vendors, children’s activities, merchandise booths, and more.
Held each year as a highlight of Fort Lauderdale’s Black History Month celebrations, the event draws an estimated 5,000 attendees and is prized for both its historical significance and its role in bringing the community together.
Local 10 viewers can watch the parade when it begins in the video at the top of this page.
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