Memorial Day…the unofficial kick-off to summer. It’s finally here! The three day weekend gives us some extra time to enjoy the outdoors, do some grilling, get some of those home projects done, or even travel. But if travel isn’t in your plans for the weekend, there’s lots to do around mid-Michigan. Of course there’s the Alma Highland Festival. But if you want to take some time honoring those who served, and those who lost their lives, there are several Memorial Day activities for you to take part in over the weekend.
Mt Pleasant Speedway
The Mt Pleasant Speedway kicks off the Memorial Day weekend with a special night honoring our veterans. In addition to the special service, there’s a great show of UMP Modifieds, B Mods, Hobby Stocks ,4 Cylinders, and Mini Wedges. Gates open at 5:00PM, and racing starts at 7:45PM.
Coleman Veterans Memorial
The Coleman Veterans Memorial holds their annual United by Sacrifice concert on Sunday, featuring My 1043 favorite Eddie Money, The Rock Show and Jedi Mind Trip. The show serves as a fundraiser to help with upkeep of the memorial. Gates open at 11:30AM with a rib cook-off, food vendors and a beer tent, with music starting at 6:00PM. Tickets can be purchased in advance.
Parades
Once again, you have plenty of Memorial Day parades to attend this year.
Mt Pleasant hosts their parade starting at 10:00AM on Monday. Korean War veteran Doyle Walker leads the parade from the NAPA store on East Broadway, downtown to the World War I and World War II memorials, before ending at the Korean War Memorial downtown. The color guard then heads to Riverside Cemetery the Vietnam Memorial at Island Park and Calvary Cemetery. The local VFW wraps everything up at 1:00PM with hot dogs.
Clare begins their Memorial Day parade at 10:10AM at the Clare City Hall. The parade progresses from Fifth Street, down McEwan to Schoolcrest then to Cherry Hill Cemetery. A program with the laying of the wreaths follows with speaker Al Demerest and the Clare High School band.
The St Louis VFW Post 3055 hosts their Memorial Day parade through town on Monday at 10:00AM. The parade features a decorated bicycle contest, school bands, a tribute to sailors lost at sea, a twenty-one gun salute and Veterans service at the Veterans Hill section of Oak Grove Cemetery.
There’s also a parade scheduled for 11:00AM on Monday in Ithaca, with a service at the Ithaca Cemetery to follow.
Weidman begins their Memorial Day parade at 9:30AM Monday at the Isabella Bank Corner. The parade ends at the Eagles Club with a closing ceremony.
Finally, Farwell has a parade down Main Street as well, beginning at 10:00AM on Monday.
Clare County Memorial Day Ceremony
The Clare County Memorial Day Ceremony wraps up the holiday weekend festivities. The even begins at 11:00AM at the new Veterans Freedom Park. Guest speaker, State of Michigan VFW POW/MIA Director Jim Fernandez reads the names of those killed in action from Clare County. A flag folding ceremony and traditional programs from the American Legion and VFW Post follows.
Immediately following the ceremony, stop for a visit to the Cherry Grove Cemetery. A luncheon at the American Legion Post in Harrison follows.
Take some time this weekend to remember those who sacrificed for us. Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!
