7 Ways to Mark Memorial Day in Sarasota and Beyond

Monday, May 25^th, is Memorial Day, and while the 3-day weekend is certainly a chance to enjoy parades, family BBQs, building sandcastles and relaxing, it is also a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who have bravely served, and continue to serve, in the United States Military. In honor of this patriotic holiday, here are 7 ways to spend your Memorial Day weekend: A Concert to Remember Pack a picnic and some lawn chairs on Monday, May 25, for the Sarasota Concert Band’s annual Memorial Day concert at Phillippi Estate Park. This year is made particularly special by pianist and composer, David Ohrenstein, and lyricist and arranger, Sharon Ohrenstein, who will premiere their new piece, “We are One.” The performance will feature their daughter, none other than our blogger extraordinaire and Sarasota starlet, Kathryn Parks. 5500 South Tamiami Trail, 5 to 7 p.m. Adults - $5.00. 18 and under – Free. Free Parking Patriotic Parade On Sunday, May 24, Lakewood Ranch’s Main Street will play host to its annual Memorial Day parade, “A Tribute to Heroes.” Enjoy plenty of food and live music, with a parade in honor of our veterans and service members beginning at 6 p.m. Main Street at Lakewood Ranch, 5 to 8 p.m. Red, White & Riverside Blues Snook Haven on the Myakka River provides the perfect setting for the 4^th annual Myakka River Blues Festival on Monday, May 25. The festival will be headlined by Annika Chambers, a U.S. Army veteran whose deployments include Afghanistan and Kosovo. Annika recently completed her 8-year term as a Sergeant, and since returning home she has taken the Houston blues music scene by storm. Snook Haven, 5000 E. Venice Avenue, Venice. Click here for tickets and more information. Sarasota’s “Freedom Isn’t Free” Parade Beginning at 10 a.m. on Main Street and Osprey Avenue, the Sarasota Memorial Day parade will march west along Main Street to Chaplain J.D. Hamel Park on Gulfstream Avenue. Dan Kunkel, the Patriotic Observance Committee President, said “The parade and ceremony is an opportunity to honor not only veterans of the Armed Services but police officers, sheriff's deputies, firefighters and emergency medical personnel.” Valor in Venice The American Legion Post 159 will hold the annual Venice Area Memorial Day Ceremony at Patriots Park, with attendance by multiple veteran organizations. 800 Venetia Bay Blvd., 10 a.m. Sarasota Salute On Sunday, May 24, The Sarasota National Cemetery Advisory Committee will also be hosting a special ceremony at the national cemetery. The Sarasota Military Academy will perform original music by Pinellas County resident Craig Gross, whose 25-year-old son, Cpl. Frank R. Gross, was killed in Afghanistan. Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Rd 72, 5 p.m. Jungle Gardens Celebrates Our Veterans In gratitude for their service, veterans and all active service military receive free admission to the Sarasota Jungle Gardens with the purchase of one adult or child’s ticket. “We honor those who serve and sacrifice for our county with special recognition for our military throughout the park during the day,” said Nancy Lavick, marketing director for the gardens. Monday, May 25, 10 – 5 p.m. 3701 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. How will you spend this Memorial Day weekend?