Hastings-on-Hudson marked Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a community breakfast at the James Harmon Community Center.

This year, the village spotlighted the public library as its community service focus.

It also recognized the winners of the Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Essay and Art Competition, which included a spoken word category for the first time.

Organizers say the event is about more than celebrating student talent. It reminds people to keep Dr. King's message of service and unity alive in the community.

"Just keeping his memory alive and knowing why you have off today. So many kids are like 'Oh!' so it's important to do events like this and be part of events, so you know why you're getting a day off. It's to honor," said Lisa O'Reilly, of the Hastings Recreation Department.

This year's competition focused on King's legacy and what his dream looks like today.