It's Memorial Day Weekend, sunshines.
There are tons of things to do in the Dayton area this weekend to celebrate the unofficial start of summer and pay honor to those brave men and women who paid the ultimate price in defense of this nation.
Here are a few events to get on your radar:
Patriot Freedom Festival
The 2013 Memorial Day ceremony at the Dayton National Cemetery included the laying of the memorial wreath by Sgt David Perez, USMC; MSgt. Mark Lyle, USAF; Spc. Nick Szymezak, US Army, and GM2 Chris Dennison, US Navy. Photo by Charles Caperton
Where: Dayton VA Medical Center, 4100 W. Third St., Dayton
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 28 & 29
Why go: The 12th annual event is themed "Honoring Women in the Military." It will include live music, military re-enactors and guided historical tours.
Cost: Admission is free.
More info: 937-267-7628 or americanveteransheritage.org
Dayton Heritage Day with the Dayton Philharmonic
Where: Carillon Historical Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton
When: 11 a..m.-8:30 p.m. Sunday, May 29
Why go: Dayton History's annual old-fashioned patriotic celebration includes American food - hamburgers, hot dogs, BBQ, etc. - theatrical presentations about the Great 1913 Flood and the Wright Brothers, interactive demonstrations and performances by the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, vocalist Minnita Daniel Cox and members of Dayton Ballet. The new World War I exhibition, "Over There: Dayton in the Great War" and other Carillon Park displays will be open.
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets.
Cost: 18-59, $8; 60 and older, $7; 3-17, $5; under 3, free. Active military, retirees, veterans and reservists with valid ID, $5.
More info: 937-293-2841 or Daytonhistory.org.
Memorial Day Weekend at Young’s Jersey Dairy
Where: Young's Jersey Dairy, 6880 Springfield Xenia Road, Yellow Springs
When: Thursday, May 26 through Monday, May 30. Daily hours vary.
Why go: The event includes carnival rides. Young's other attractions such as ice cream, miniature golf, the driving range and batting cages also will be open.
Cost: Carnival ride pass is $20. Individual rides tickets are $1. Each ride is three or four tickets. Prices for other activities vary.
More info: (937) 325-0629 or youngsdairy.com
Memorial Day Mass at Calvary Cemetery
Where: Calvary Cemetery, 1625 Calvary Drive, Dayton
When: 11:30 a.m. Sunday, May 29
Why go: The cemetery will hold a remembrance ceremony for those who have died in the military defending the nation.
Cost: Admission is free
More info: (937) 293-1221 or calvarycemeterydayton.org
Free Go-Kart Rides
Where: Scene75 Entertainment Center, 6196 Poe Ave, Vandalia
When: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, May 30
Why go: Those who present a military ID will receive a free go-kart ride and one for a friend.
More info: (937) 619-3200 or Scene75.com
Memorial Day Ceremony in Beavercreek
Team Fastrax performed a patriotic sky-diving show as the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra played its last notes at the 2015 Dayton Heritage Festival at Carillon Park. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Where: Veterans Memorial Park, 1911 N. Fairfield Road, Beavercreek
When: 2 p.m. Monday, May 30
Why go: The Beavercreek Parks, Recreation & Culture Department will honor those who have died in service. There is limited bleacher seating, so lawn chairs are welcome.
Cost: Admission is free
More info: (937) 427-5514
Family and friends of U.S. Marine Sgt. Curt Fike gather around his burial site and pay honor and remembrance during the Memorial Day Ceremony held Monday May 27, 2013 at the Dayton National Cemetery.
Memorial Day Ceremony at Woodland
Where: Woodland Cemetery & Arboretum, 118 Woodland Ave., Dayton
When: 2 p.m. Monday, May 30
Why go: The cemetery will remember those who have died while serving in the military.
Cost: Admission is free
More info: (937) 228.3221 or woodlandcemetery.org
Memorial Weekend events in Miamisburg
When: Saturday, May 28 to Monday, May 30
What: Events in downtown Miamisburg:
- Rocky's Run for Freedom begins at 9 p.m. Saturday, May 28 at Library Park, 35 S. Fifth Street, Miamisburg. Same-day registration is $25 for the run benefiting a Bishop Leibold School scholarship, the Uriah Edward Zanowick Trust Fund and a purple heart recipient who will attend the 2016 Warrior Weekend to Remember.
- A Taste of Wine and TJ Chumps will host "Dance in the Street" on Linden Avenue between Main and First streets 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., Saturday, May 28. There will be live music on the business' outdoor patios during the street party .
- The Miamisburg Memorial Day Parade begins at 11 a.m. Monday, May 30 on the Linden Avenue Bridge at Miami Ave. and will end at Library Park.The parade will be followed by a picnic at the park.
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