Memorial Day Weekend Kicks off Summer Fun

May 20, 2016

CADILLAC

Cadillac Memorial Day Parade

Beginning at 10am, Cadillac’s parade tribute to its veterans will follow the shore of Lake Cadillac to Veterans Memorial Stadium, with veterans encouraged to walk the route and a horse-drawn carriage available for those with limited mobility. For more information: cadillacmichigan.com.

CHARLEVOIX

Memorial Weekend Charlevoix Community Marathon and 10K

Novice to pro runners are invited to participate in this marathon along the Little Traverse Wheelway on Saturday, May 28, with scenic routes offered for participants and post-race food and music in Harbor Springs. For more information: trailscouncil.org.

Castle Farms Local Appreciation Day

Tour the extensive gardens, grounds, and buildings of Castle Farms in Charlevoix for free on Monday, May 30 – if you’re a resident with a valid drivers license from Emmet, Charlevoix, Antrim, or Otsego counties. Not a resident? Entry is just $5. For more information: castlefarms.com.

ELK RAPIDS

Elk Rapids Arts and Crafts Show

The Saturday of Memorial weekend (May 28) kicks off 23 years of the Elk Rapids Chamber of Commerce’s Arts and Crafts Show on River Street, featuring over 70 crafters, food, and other activities. For more information: elkrapidschamber.org.

GAYLORD

Gaylord Memorial Day Parade

The Alpine Village of Gaylord will stage their annual Memorial Day parade starting at 10am in downtown Gaylord and paying tribute to the area’s veterans. Special ceremonies to follow the parade. For more information: cityofgaylord.com.

HARBOR SPRINGS

Memorial Day 5K and Celebration

This small-town holiday begins early with pancakes at Harbor Springs’ American Legion hall, followed by the 5K Run/Walk at 8am, with proceeds going to the Harbor Springs Area Food Pantry. A patriotic parade starting at 10am ends with a waterfront ceremony. For more information: harborspringschamber.com.

MACKINAW CITY

13th Annual Mackinac Bridge Memorial Run

This is one of only two yearly opportunities for runners to run the mighty Mackinac Bridge, and they’ve got to be able to run at least a 12-minute mile to be allowed to do so. Register in advance for the run; it takes place on Saturday, May 28. For more information: mackinawcity.com

The Colonial Michilimackinac Pageant

Running all weekend (May 28–30) at Fort Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City is the historical recreation of events that took place in 1753 between the Native American tribes, French, and British, and followed by an evening of fireworks. For more information: mackinawcity.com

Mackinaw City Memorial Day Parade

Saturday May 28 is also the day for Mackinaw City’s Memorial Day parade, which will include the cast of the Colonial Michilimackinac pageant along with floats, clowns, and other diversions; the parade starts downtown at 1pm. For more information: mackinawcity.com

PELLSTON

Pellston Memorial Fest

This first annual fest kicks off this year (May 27–30) with activities all weekend, including the Rib & Chili Cookoff, with live music from Blake Elliot on Friday, more live music from Oh Brother Big Sister on Saturday, a car show on Sunday, and a parade Monday at 1pm. For more information visitmichiganupnorth.com.

PETOSKEY

Downtown Petoskey Memorial Day Parade

Petoskey’s parade (Monday, May 30) begins at 10am along Mitchell Street and concludes in Pennsylvania Park’s gazebo for a memorial speech and wreath placement; a luncheon follows at the American Legion Hall.

ST. IGNACE

Native American Festival

St. Ignace is celebrating Memorial weekend on Saturday, May 28 with this new festival featuring drumming, dancing, workshops, and basket making plus fry bread and other Native American treats. The festival takes place at the Museum of Ojibwa Culture. For more information: stignace.com.

THOMPSONVILLE

11th Annual Michigan Beer and Brat Festival

May 28 is the day for this Crystal Mountain event that features live slopeside entertainment alongside 75 of the state’s tastiest microbrews, ciders, and mead, plus brats from local Michigan markets. For more information: crystalmountain.com.

TRAVERSE CITY

Annual Bayshore Marathon

Compete for financial prizes or watch the ambitious runners zip by during the 34th Annual Bayshore Marathon on Saturday, May 28. The runs start at Northwestern Michigan College’s Cedar Parking Lot on College Drive and ends at Traverse City Central High School. For more information: bayshoremarathon.org.