Record no longer available!
Fun Things To Do This Weekend From Around The Country!
Don't see anything in your area? Use the form above, to search for fun things to do in your local community!
Memorial Day is a Time to Remember
By: Maria King
Date: May 20, 2012
This week we welcome the unofficial start of summer. It is the time when people start to think of all the things they will do this summer outdoors as the season gets underway. I want to mention however, that this weekend is so much more than that. It is a time to also remember in tribute, all the men and women who have served this country to keeps us free. These are people who made it possible for us to continue to celebrate all the wonderful events that we get to celebrate each and every week.
This week I wanted to showcase a few very traditional Memorial Day ceremonies and parades. These are fitting tributes to our heroes indeed. I also wanted to include a few events that are not really traditional in the sense of how they celebrate. In addition to the parades and wreath laying events, there is an air show, a regatta, a foot race across a bridge, a hot air balloon lift off, a motorcycle rally, a festival of flags and a float of flower decorated boats.
All of these never lose sight of what this weekend really means. They just give it a little bit of a different spin. I hope that you will remember our service people this weekend that made all of this possible by their ultimate sacrifice. We have many Memorial Day events that you can find by using the search box so I am sure that there will be some terrific events near you this weekend. Be sure to grab someone that you love and get out there and have some fun and show your gratitude!!!!
May 26, 2012 - May 27, 2012
Since 1989, a display of military and vintage aircraft both on and off the ground, plus other entertainment and food. A great educational experience for all ages.
100,000+ Attendees
May 25, 2012 - May 28, 2012
Since 1982, non-profit event raising money for charity with family entertainment including, national entertainment, 100 hot air balloons competing daily, amusement rides and games, arts and crafts, children's entertainment, disc dog competitions, sponsor displays, food and much more.
150,000+ Attendees
May 23, 2012 - May 28, 2012
Since 1983. Get ready for the rumble as bikers from all different backgrounds line Main Street for one crazy party. Live music can be found all over town, along with vendors carrying everything from leather and lace, to food and fun. Make sure you ride the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway while you're here - an 83 mile loop through northern New Mexico's most beautiful scenery! Monday morning everyone heads out together to visit the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial in Angel Fire, then it’s back to the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
20,000 Attendees
May 28, 2012
Since 1864. Boalsburg is widely known as the Birthplace of Memorial Day. Visitors will have a chance to spend a day in town, tempting their taste buds with local foods and shopping for wares from artisans from across the Northeast. Three museums – the Boalsburg Heritage Museum, the Boal Mansion and the Pennsylvania Military Museum – will have family oriented activities throughout the day, including encampments and a battle by Civil War re-enactors. The day kicks off with a Fun Run at Blue Spring Park at 8:30 AM. The festival runs from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and features local musicians, a traditional Maypole dance at 12:30 PM and local artisans. The 6:00 PM service caps the day with a community address by Elizabeth Ritter, a native of Boalsburg who now lives in Washington DC where she serves as legal counsel to Commissioner Chilton of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and has served as Senior Counsel to a Senate Committee Chair responsible for drafting financial market regulatory reform legislation.
20,000 Attendees
May 28, 2012
Since 1867. One of the oldest Memorial Day services in the United States. For the 7th consecutive year, many will gather at Gateway Gettysburg to honor injured veterans arriving from Walter Reed Army Medical Center. A program featuring speakers and music will begin at 10:30am. The public will be free to interact with the veterans. The veterans will then be treated to a private luncheon at the Wyndham Gettysburg followed by a tour of the Battlefield. The annual Memorial Day Parade will form on Lefever Street at 1pm and move at 2pm proceeding west on East Middle then turning south on Baltimore where it will enter the Gettysburg National Cemetery through the Baltimore Street Gate. The annual Service at the Soldiers National Monument in the Gettysburg National Cemetery will follow at 3pm.
May 25, 2012 - May 28, 2012
Since 1963, over 3,000 competitors take part in scouts race, generation gap race and 70-mile pro race. A flea market featuring merchandise and crafts, rides, games, live entertainment, great food and fireworks. A great way to spend a holiday weekend. Camping available.
100,000 Attendees
May 25, 2012
The states largest memorial service gathers hundreds of spectators to join national, state and city officials in honoring the champions of democracy whom have given their lives in service to their country. Speakers, a wreath laying ceremony, color guard and musical performances by The U.S. 38th Division Band and the Capital City Chorus.
May 25, 2012 - May 27, 2012
Since 1993, over 2,000 flags are displayed throughout the village. Features free continuous entertainment, old car show, rides, crafts, food booths, dog show, two parades, karoke contest and much more.
2,500 Attendees
May 28, 2012
Memorial Day wreath layings at the John F. Kennedy grave site and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier followed by a memorial service at the Memorial Amphitheater.
5,000 Attendees
May 28, 2012
Since 1945, It is a solemn and moving tribute to those who have lost their lives at sea and in service to our country. The event will begin with a ceremony in the Depoe Bay harbor featuring a presentation of colors, recognition of veterans, jet fly-over, guest speakers and musical performances. Following the on-shore ceremony at Depoe Bay Harbor, the fleet of flower laden boats passes under the spectator lined Highway 101 bridge. As they proceed through the channel into the ocean, they pass the Coast Guard boat and then form a circle within sight of shore.
May 26, 2012
The one day per year runners are allowed on the Mackinaw Bridge. Requirements for runners are a time of 12 minute per mile. This is the race to watch!
May 26, 2012
One of the nations largest Memorial Day parades with over 25,000 marchers. The City of Chicago honors all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country, and will include recognition of the Illinois Gold Star Families during the Commemoration. Since September 11, 2001, many residents of Illinois have died serving their country and this includes the attack on the Pentagon and the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Participants in this years’ parade include area high school Marching Bands, Drum and Bugle Corps as well as many Veterans’ groups, JROTC and the military. The day begins with the laying of the wreath ceremony at the Eternal Flame in Daley Plaza followed by the parade at noon.
May 28, 2012
Since 2005. Americans of all ages and generations can share this experience as the route of the parade draws over 150,000 spectators, a testament to the public’s desire to honor our heroes in uniform. The parade includes nearly 200 elements, including marching bands, active duty and retired military units, youth groups, and parade floats—as well as hundreds of veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, and Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
150,000 Attendees
May 26, 2012
Veterans, families, and the general public of all ages will again celebrate Memorial Day at the state capitol with a parade, extras, and a sit down holiday ceremony at the Colorado Veterans Monument. The parade has been held since 1926. Parade reviewing stand is at Broadway at Colfax and it begins at 10am.
May 26, 2012
Step into the middle plaza of the Memorial and enjoy a stunning performance that will transport you to a by- gone era with tunes made classics by Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, Doris Day, Tommy Dorsey, and more. The Jefferson Choral Society, a 100 member choral group will perform an evening concert under the lights of the Memorial. The Choral Society has performed at Washington National Cathedral, Carnegie Hall, and a number of venues in Italy. The Choral group has performed more than 35 master works of all periods, but will focus on patriotic tunes and the 1940s era on Memorial Day weekend. Visitors are asked to bring their own chair.