Memorial Day Fun Near You
Photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons.
If you’re a hard-working nanny, chances are a nice long weekend is just what you need. If you’re interested in using your time off during the upcoming Memorial Day weekend to get out of town and soak up some cultural events relating to this important holiday, check out these popular events in different regions. Make your holiday special by getting away and celebrating the kickoff to summer.
East Coast
Washington, DC Sunday, May 26, 2013
The nation’s capital will celebrate Memorial Day with a free concert on the West Lawn of the United States Capital. The day will also feature a National Memorial Day Parade and the Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally. The parade will include marching bands and Veterans from all 50 states. The parade procession will kick off at the corner of Constitution Avenue and 17th Street. Be sure to get your seat early, as massive crowds attend the great nation’s parade to celebrate those who were lost. If you are interested in the motorcycle rally, departure will be at 12 p.m. at the Pentagon. In conclusion of the rally, a musical tribute will be held at 1:30 p.m. For more information you can visit nationalmemorialdayparade.com.
West Coast
Los Angeles, CA May 25 - 27, 2013
If you are near the city of sand and sun, check out some popular hot spots on Memorial Day weekend. The Queen Mary will be saluting the United States Military Personnel on Long Beach. The event begins on Monday at 10 a.m., and admission is free. If a visit to the past is of interest to you, then be sure to check out the guided tours of ghosts and legends that will be held throughout the day. For information check www.queenmary.com. If you are by Hermosa Beach, there will be an arts and crafts festival by the seaside. The event will feature over 400 vendor booths as well as carnival rides, a petting zoo, and tons of delicious food. The event runs Memorial Day weekend through Monday. Information can be found at fiestahermosa.net. The annual parade in Canoga Park will be held on Monday. Don’t miss the annual parade because it includes bands, floats, military marching units, antique cars, military aircraft flyovers, and so much more. If you enjoy berries and everything associated, head out to Garden Grove for the four-day strawberry festival. There will be plenty of pageants, carnival rides, fun, food, and more. Visit strawberry-fest.org for details.
Midwest
Milwaukee, WI Monday, May 27, 2013
In the Midwest for Memorial Day? Milwaukee will be celebrating in several locations and festivities won’t fall short. In Milwaukee, there will be a parade, an honor ceremony, balloon release, and a band concert. For more information call (414) 281-7789. Over in Shorewood, patriotic music will be played and Brigade General James A. Krueck will deliver a speech. The local American Legion post will provide food and beverages. Call (414) 847-2600 for more details. At the Arlington Park Cemetery, a ceremony to remember those who’ve fallen, will take place. The Flags of Remembrance will be displayed from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. A musical presentation and balloon release will follow. For more details about the event, call (414) 282-6600.
Southeast
Atlanta, GA May 25 - 27, 2013
On Memorial Day, things will be getting a little jazzy down in Atlanta. The annual 31-day schedule of events during the month of May features jazz artists throughout the Atlanta metro area. The jazz event concludes during the Memorial Day weekend with a free festival and performances in the Piedmont Park. Also in Atlanta, the Decatur Arts Festival will feature exhibits of the fine arts, an artist market, performances, and so much more. The Georgia Renaissance Festival in Fairburn spans over eight weekends of fun in the sun. This event includes the Memorial Day weekend. If you attend, you will see costumed performers, exciting rides and games, decadent food, parades, and more. There are plenty of period activities, so be ready to participate in things like jousting contests. For more information, visit atlantafestivals.com.
South Central United States
Kerrville, TX May 25 - 27, 2013
If you are near Kerrville, TX on Memorial Day weekend, be sure to check out the Kerrville Folk Festival. It is the longest running festival of its type in North America. It begins on May 23, 2013 and runs through June 9, 2013. The 18 days feature over 100 songwriters, concerts, arts and crafts, kids’ concerts, and more. The event has been running consecutively since 1972. It is a great way to kick back, relax, and partake in folk fun. Visit kerrville-music.com for more information. If folk isn’t of interest, maybe polka is more your thing. If so, be sure to visit the National Polka Festival in Ennis. Ennis is just south of Dallas off of Interstate 45. The festival will feature arts and crafts, live music, a horseshoe tournament, dancing, traditional Czech foods, a 5K run, and a colorful Czech parade. The National Polka Festival is the largest festival for the Czech heritage in the United States. Experiencing the Cowboy culture is a must when visiting Texas. If you’ve never witnessed the Cowboy Capital Rodeo, this Memorial Day is the time to start. The event will be held in Bandera; the cowboy capital of Texas. There will be typical cowboy fashion on display, and also a traditional rodeo. Enjoy the three days of live music, and action all in the lone star state where the cowboy began. Visit banderarodeo.com for more information.
Even if you can’t make it out of town for some Memorial Day festivities, there’s probably something going on around you. Check out your local government’s calendar to find events in your neighborhood, or just gather up your closest nanny friends and have a nice big backyard barbeque. There’s nothing more American than that!