“For the 12th year in a row, the City of Tacoma is inviting residents to join in a celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. Tacoma’s celebration is one of the nation’s largest indoor Martin Luther King Jr. birthday events.The Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall is the site chosen for the January 17, 2000 event. This year’s theme is “His dream…in their hands” and revolves around young people and their tremendous potential.Doors open at 10:30 a.m. that Monday. The first 1,500 celebrators will get a free continental breakfast of coffee, juice and pastries. Festivities run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.Entertainment for the event includes:- A live musical performance by the local band “Voices of Inspiration.”- A video montage and interactive performance about the history of the civil rights movement.- A dramatic presentation by the youth group “Community Leadership Institute.The City had funding for this year’s celebration on its initial list of budget cuts, but the City Council voted to restore it to full funding status.“The Council’s endorsement of our Martin Luther King, Jr. birthday celebration shows the City’s commitment to honoring the ideals embraced and displayed by this extraordinary man,” said Allen Correll, director of the City’s Human Rights and Human Services Department. “Now we can all come together to celebrate Dr. King’s life and legacy.”The City of Tacoma’s Human Rights and Human Services Department is organizing the Martin Luther King Jr. birthday celebration.”