The Albert Lea Peace and Justice Committee once made the Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration a whole-day affair.

The day began with the annual breakfast from 7-7:50 a.m. Monday in Bethany Hall of First Lutheran Church. The program included a high school ensemble as well as “Changing the Tide” from Grace Christian Church.

Hockenberry said a group of students from Alden-Conger School was planning to attend, even though there is no school in their district that day. “They’re making a special effort to attend,” she said.

For the second year in a row, a variety program was planned at the Albert Lea Civic Theatre, both at noon and 5 p.m. The show was expected to last about 45 minutes.

Joan Muschler was to serve as the master of ceremonies. Plans included a tribute to firefighters, a poem from Anne Ehrhardt,

an excerpt from &uot;Huckleberry Finn&uot; and a musical selection from &uot;Big River&uot; from Charles Winslett, Glen Parsons and Lilah Aas and a tribute to the late Sen. Paul Wellstone from Paul Goodnature.

The presentation is appropriate for all ages, Hockenberry said.

For those coming at 5 p.m., hot cider will be served following the presentation.

Admission to the presentation at the Civic Theatre is free, but those attending are urged to bring non-perishable food items for the food shelf.