Federal Way resident Louise Wessel has stepped up to fill a void as organizer of the city’s annual Martin Luther King celebration.

Wessel is seeking volunteers and performers to keep the event alive. She has secured a venue, Decatur High School, for one day the week of Jan. 18, 2010. The goal is to hold the event for as many days as possible at a minimal cost — and preferably no cost at all, she said.

The event first launched in 1993. Ron Walker, who for 10 years spearheaded most of the event’s organization, stepped down this past summer to pursue other passions.

“It’s a huge undertaking,” Walker said in a past report. “There’s just so many different pieces that have to come together.”

Get involved

The next Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration Committee meeting has been scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, at the City Hall council chambers. To learn more, call Louise Wessel at (253) 941-6667 or e-mail llwessel@gmail.com