Town officials and a team of volunteers are preparing to host Barrington’s first-ever Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration. 

Titled “Soul Force: A Celebration of Civil Rights,” the event will take place Saturday, Jan. 18 from noon to 5 p.m. at the Bay Spring Community Center. The Barrington Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee is organizing the event.

Members of the previous Barrington Town Council discussed “Soul Force” during a meeting late last year and approved an increased expenditure for the event. Liana Maris, a member of the DEI Committee, offered council members a sneak peek at what is being planned for the event. She mentioned storytellers, food trucks, musicians, and more. 

Maris told council members there is not much else happening in the area to celebrate the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. She added that it is important to remember why that day is recognized and why people do not have to go to work or school on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. 

Initially, officials from the DEI Committee requested $3,000 to put on the event. Maris said planners had allotted $1,000 for the storytellers, more than $800 each for the two food trucks, $200 for advertising, $750 for music, $325 for shirts, and $700 for a gospel choir. 

Barrington Town Councilor Braxton Cloutier, who also serves as liaison to the DEI Committee, said Soul Force will be a free event — there is no charge for admission, for the food trucks, T-shirts, or for the entertainment. Cloutier later made a motion to have the town pay an additional $2,000 for the event. Former councilor Annelise Conway seconded the motion, which was approved 5-0. 

Also during the discussion, councilor Kate Berard asked Maris if the Bay Spring Community Center would provide enough space for the event. Maris said she hoped it would, adding that the community center has been a great partner.