The 35th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade went on despite heavy rain Saturday morning, however the celebration was mostly canceled as the stage was too wet for performers.

After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the parade had been scheduled to go on despite forecasters calling for rain most of Saturday.

As of 2 p.m., Long Beach had already received closed to 1 inch of rain.

The parade was held at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and Anaheim Street, where it has been celebrated for decades. Floats, brass bands, performers and community organizations took part in honoring the beloved civil rights activist.

The parade was from 10-11:30 a.m., while the festival was supposed to take place from noon to 5 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Park with speeches and live performances.

Nina Richardson, wife of Mayor Rex Richardson, and her daughters wave to crowds during Saturday morning’s 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade. Photo by Sarahi Apaez.
U.S. Rep. Robert Garcia waves at crowds of families during the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023. Photo by Sarahi Apaez.
The Franklin Wildcat Steppers bring energy to the crowds despite heavy rain during the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade Saturday morning. Photo by Sarahi Apaez.
Madeline Arenas, 2, sits alongside her family and waves as performers march by during the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade Saturday morning. Photo by Sarahi Apaez.
Councilmember Al Austin greets a familiar face in the crowd during the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023. Photo by Sarahi Apaez.
Dorothy Nickels waves and cheers as community organizations march along the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade route on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023. Photo by Sarahi Apaez.
Long Beach Councilmember Cindy Allen waves to the crowds at the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023. Photo by Sarahi Apaez.
The Long Beach Airport float makes its way down Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue during the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023. Photo by Sarahi Apaez.
Councilwoman Kristina Duggan waves to the crowd at the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023. Photo by Sarahi Apaez.
Boys and Girls Clubs of Long Beach marches along Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue Saturday morning at the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade. Photo by Sarahi Apaez.
Parade participant holds a sign quoting King during the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023. Photo by Sarahi Apaez.
Members of the African American Cultural Center of Long Beach nonprofit organization greet crowds at the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade on Saturday morning. Photo by Sarahi Apaez.
African American Cultural Center of Long Beach members greet crowds at the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade on Saturday morning. Photo by Sarahi Apaez.
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson and fellow members of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity greet crowds along Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue during the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023. Photo by Sarahi Apaez.