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.