While Memorial Weekend means an extra day of the weekend to take off, relax and spend with the family, it is important for all of us to remember what Memorial Day means.
Memorial Day is a holiday that can, and should be, a day that is utilized to commemorate all of those who sacrificed their lives so that all of us could live in the freedom that we are blessed to have today in this country. Without them, there is no telling where we would be as American citizens and as a country.
With that being said, there are various events occurring over the weekend in the High Country to help memorialize and honor those who have fought to help us live in such a beautiful and free country.
Community Memorial Day Celebration: Saturday
On Saturday, May 27, Howard’s Creek Church in Boone will be having a Memorial Day Celebration — a day to honor, celebrate and remember those service men and women who have give their all for us.
The event begins at 2:00 p.m. with live music, silent auction, crafts and baked goods and at 5:00 p.m. there will be a BBQ dinner. All proceeds will go toward the summer mission trip!
Call 828-264-1908 for more information about the event.
Memorial Day Salute: Sunday
On Sunday, May 28, as part of Joe Shannon’s Mountain Home Music’s Memorial Day Weekend concert, the Original Mountain Home Bluegrass Boys will be gracing the stage at 7:30 p.m. at the Harvest House Performing Arts Venue in Boone.
This year’s annual Memorial Day Salute concert is, as always, a tribute to those Americans who gave their lives while serving in our armed forces.
Cane Mill Road will be opening for the Original Mountain Home Bluegrass Boys at the Salute, providing the audience with two different kinds of musical talents to enjoy as they commemorate the fallen Americans.
Tickets cost $18 in advance and $20 at the door. Student tickets are $5, and children 12 and under get free admission. Advance tickets may be purchased online or at the Mast General Store (Boone and Valle Crucis), Fred’s Mercantile on Beech Mountain, Stick Boy Bread Company(345 Hardin St, Boone), plus Footsloggers and Pandora’s Mailbox on Main Street in downtown Blowing Rock.
Tickets, directions and more info can be found at the JSMHM website – www.mountainhomemusic.org/
Memorial Day Service at Memorial Park: Monday
On Monday, May 29, at 11:00 a.m., the American Legion Post 156 will hold a Memorial Day Service at the Memorial Park Rotary Gazebo in Blowing Rock.
11th Annual Memorial Day Ceremony at the Boone Mall: Monday
The High Country Chapter of the MOAA and the Boone Mall partner together to bring the High Country the 11th Annual Memorial Day Ceremony at the Boone Mall on Monday, May 29, at 11:00 a.m.
At 10:30 a.m., the Watauga County Community Band will commence with a variety of patriotic songs to get the commemoration started off.
Some program highlights include:
- Color Guard: Marine Corps JROTC Watauga High School
- Update on the Watauga County Veterans Memorial
- U.S. Flag Folding Cermony: American Legion Post 130
- Narrative of the History of Memorial Day
- Playing of Taps
Veterans and the general public are invited to attend this Ceremony in order to honor those that have sacrificed their lives for the freedoms that we are all experiencing today.
For additional information, call 828-260-0008.
4th Annual Mast General Store Color Blast 5K: Monday
On Memorial Day, May 29, the Hospitality House AmeriCorps VISTA project called Welcome Home Thriftique will be hosting the Mast General Store Color Blast 5K to raise funds, awareness, and support for High Country men, women and children living in poverty. The 5K Run/Walk will begin at 5pm at the Boone Greenway Trail at Clawson Burnley Park.
Participants can expect a free photo booth with fun props, face painting, music, food trucks, water, snacks and fruit. A “Fun Run” will be held at 6:30 for kids under 10 to run a lap on the dirt track through clouds of color. The cost is $5 and kids can sign up at the event with parental assistance.
Early registration, now open online at hosphouse.org/colorblast, is $25 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under.. Pre-register by May 6th to be guaranteed an event t-shirt. Pre-registration forms can also be picked up at Welcome Home Thriftique, 182 Boone Heights Drive, Boone, NC.
On-site registration will begin at 4pm and t-shirts will be first come first serve. On-site registration will be $30 for adults and $15 for kids 12 and under. Cash, check, and credit cards will be accepted.
Avery County Ceremony in Newland: Monday
On Monday, May 29, the Annual VFW/DAV Memorial Day Service on the Town Square in Newland will take place at 1 p.m. All are encouraged to attend to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in service to this country.