With Memorial Day weekend approaching, we have put together a list of Gainesville Memorial Day events and activities!
Alachua County Memorial Day Ceremony
Monday, May 25
Historic Evergreen Cemetery at 10 a.m.
This ceremony honors veterans and military service members who lost their lives fighting and standing for the country. The ceremony offers a Presentation of Colors, an American flag ceremony, live music, speeches and more.
Florida Folk Festival
Friday, May 22 – Sunday, May 24
10 a.m.
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
This three-day event celebrates the music, dance, stories, crafts and food that make Florida the place we love! There will be over 300 performances, jam sessions, workshops, great food and more. Read more.
Teach your family about the holiday
Memorial Day is more than just a day off from school or work. It is about showing respect and remembrance for those who have lost their lives defending our country. While this topic could be heavy for your kiddos, it is an important lesson to teach. Depending on the age of your kids, explain the holiday in a way they will understand, and remind them that it is a day of celebrating and remembering heroes.
Go to the beach for the day
Pack up beach towels, chairs, a beach umbrella, a cooler with food and water and most importantly, sunscreen!
Make patriotic fruit salad
In a large bowl, cut up red fruits (like watermelon, strawberries or raspberries), cut up bananas and add blueberries. In a small bowl, mix together honey, lime juice and a teaspoon of poppy seeds, and then pour this mixture all over your fruit. Mix up your fruit salad, and serve a refreshing treat! Make sure to let the kiddos help, but always supervise children while using a knife.
Write letters
Sit down with your kiddos and write thoughtful letters to those who may have lost someone in the service, who have a family member currently in the service or even to a soldier! Include words of thankfulness, kindness and hope, as this holiday could be hard for a lot for people. After you write your letter, find out the addresses of the recipients, stamp them and send them! This is also a great opportunity to teach your kids how to write and send a letter.
Face painting
This messy activity could create a lot of laughs. Get some non-toxic, washable paint or face paint, and go to town with different patriotic designs on your kiddos! Paint American flags, stars or fireworks. If you are brave, let the kiddos have a turn by painting on mom and dad! Don’t forget to take selfies of your painted faces before you wash them off!
Picnic in the park
This is the perfect Gainesville Memorial Day weekend activity! Get a cooler or picnic basket, and pack a lunch for you and the family. Include things like pre-made sandwiches or wraps, chips or pretzels, fruit salad and juice boxes. Don’t forget napkins, hand sanitizers, wet wipes and bug spray to make sure that your Memorial Day picnic goes on without a hitch.
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