With ample space and advanced safety features, the Blazer ensures every journey is as enjoyable as the destination.
Royal Oak Memorial Day Parade, courtesy of Matt Harmon
Memorial Day is often celebrated as the unofficial start of summer. However, the origins of Memorial Day must remain in remembrance, to honor the fallen soldiers who courageously fought for this country. Originally, the holiday was set for May 30, but was changed to the last Monday in May to give people extra time to observe the holiday however they choose. That said, Memorial Day weekend doesn’t necessarily have to be somber and sorrowful. Contributing a more celebratory element is the preference for many. After all, their devotion and bravery should be celebrated, as it is the reason we’re afforded many of the luxuries we enjoy today. For those still pondering their plans for the holiday weekend, check out these events, happening right here in Metro Detroit.
Memorial Day Parades
Just about every city surrounding Detroit is hosting a Memorial Day parade, so finding one to attend won’t be hard. One of the most popular is the Royal Oak Memorial Day Parade. Beginning at 9 a.m. sharp, it will start at Washington and Lincoln and will proceed north to S Sherman Drive. You can expect a performance by the Royal Oak High School Marching Band and a moving flag display to honor the 188 names shown at the Royal Oak War Memorial, followed by a ceremony at the Veterans War Memorial.
If Ferndale is closer to you, you’re in luck. The Ferndale Memorial Day Parade will begin at 10 a.m., starting at Livernois and Maplehurst, and ending at the Veteran’s Memorial Mall. A ceremony will be hosted, beginning at 11 a.m.
Next, we have the Farmington Memorial Day Parade. The starting point is set at Grand River Avenue and Orchard Lake Road and will end with a ceremony at Memorial Park, followed by a free community luncheon at the American Legion.
Lastly, there’s the Novi Memorial Day Parade, featuring a flag honor walk. Starting at 10 a.m., the parade will move from Novi Meadowbrook Commons to the Novi Civic Center, where a ceremony and patriotic concert will take place.
Those are just a few, and there are many more to choose from. For more information and to view a list of the other parades taking place, visit click here.
Novi Memorial Day Run
In addition to the parade and ceremony, the city of Novi is hosting a Memorial Day run. The cost to participate ranges from $18-$40, and the options are a 5k or a 1-mile family run. Dogs are welcome and every champ who crosses the finish line will receive an award. To register or learn more, click here.
Greater Rochester Heritage Festival
The festival starts on Saturday, May 28 at 9 a.m., and will end on Sunday, May 29 at 5 p.m. The family fun will take place at Municipal Park, with the Heritage Rod and Custom Car Show on Saturday as the first organized event. Sunday is reserved for the Festival of Cars Show. However, for the entire weekend, attendees can shop handmade artwork and donated perennial plants, enjoy live music, and sample the wide array of food trucks that will be present. In addition, the 10th Michigan Infantry Regiment and Brooks Detachment Marines of 1812 will be present to experience. More information can be found on their website, https://rochesterheritagedays.org. The tickets are free and can be reserved here.
MAY You Be Well
For the soul tribe seekers, this one’s for you. On Saturday, May 28 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 27th Letter Books, you can enjoy guided yoga, meditation, group discussions regarding mental health, wellness, and leadership, and live music. It’s a great opportunity to meet like-minded people and take part in an enhanced sense of community. Tickets are free and can be found here.
Movement Electronic Music Festival
Did you know Detroit is the birthplace of techno music? For this reason, since 2006, the annual Movement Festival has been held in Downtown Detroit at Hart Plaza. Scheduled to take place from May 28 to May 30, this is a time to appreciate the Detroit-centric genre, but also to revel in the performances of artists of various genres. With a line-up of 110 acts, there won’t be a dull moment. To learn more, or buy tickets, visit, https://www.movementfestival.com.
Kensington Art Fair
The annual Memorial Day Weekend Art Fair will take place at Kensington Metro Park, starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 28 and ending at 4 p.m. on Monday, May 30. Along with the wide variety of artwork created by artists from all over the country, there will be hands-on, kid-friendly activities, live artwork demonstrations, and food trucks. The event is free, however, anyone entering the park in their vehicle must purchase a parking pass. The resident annual pass price is $40, and a non-resident pass is $45. A day pass is $10. These can be purchased upon your arrival or online. For more information, click here.
The National moment of remembrance for our fallen heroes is 3 p.m., on Memorial Day, so wherever you end up, try to remember to pause at this time in respect of those who made the greatest sacrifice.
