|
Double-duty weekend
The holiday to remember our war dead also is summer's traditional start. Here's a list of festive and solemn ways to mark the occasion.
By Times staff
© St. Petersburg Times
published May 23, 2002
[Times file photo]
Several bay area events take on a patriotic flavor this weekend to honor active-duty military personnel and veterans.
|
Memorial Day got its start shortly after the Civil War. Originally called Decoration Day, it is the day on which Americans remember those who died in service of their country.
Its first official observation was May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. It took a few more decades until Southern states observed the same day of remembrance -- until after World War I, when the holiday was expanded beyond honoring the Civil War dead.
In 1968, Congress declared the last Monday in May Memorial Day, ensuring a three-day weekend. Now, the weekend also marks the traditional start of summer, even in Florida, where we've had beach weather for months. Here are some events -- festive and solemn -- that mark the holiday weekend.
Musical events
The Tampa Bay Symphony performs patriotic favorites Saturday night on Treasure Island beach, followed by fireworks. The band Night Shift performs from 2 to 6 p.m., followed by the symphony at 7:30. The concerts are free; bring a blanket or chairs for seating. Gulf Boulevard and 104th Avenue. (727) 547-4575.
The Summit Swing Ensemble also does patriotic concerts Saturday and Sunday at the Largo Cultural Center, with the presentation of colors by the Civil Air Patrol. The shows are at 8 p.m. Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. 105 Central Park Drive, Largo. $14 adults, $6 students. (727) 587-6793.
WSSR-FM 95.7's Starfest rocks the downtown St. Petersburg waterfront with a daylong concert featuring Live and Dishwalla (see story, page 28W). Gates open at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Vinoy Park. $15. (813) 287-8844 or (727) 898-2100.
Raise the Roof 2002 features Christian music artists Sonicflood and Superchic(k) before Tampa Bay Storm arena football game vs. Carolina Cobras on Saturday. Proceeds benefit Somebody Cares Tampa Bay. Concert starts at 2:45 p.m., game at 7:30 at the Ice Palace, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa. Tickets begin at $12. (813) 301-6600.
Festivals
About 100 exhibitors of arts and crafts will be at the Ybor City Main Street Spring Arts and Crafts Festival on Saturday and Sunday in Centennial Park, Ninth Avenue and 19th Street. The free festival, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days, also has activities for kids. (813) 241-2442.
Boyd Hill Nature Park in St. Petersburg sponsors a Memorial Weekend Fun Fest on Sunday and Monday with music, games, food and tours of the Pioneer Settlement. Proceeds benefit Everyone's Youth United. Hours both days are 10 a.m.-7 p.m. at the park, 3100 31st St. S, Gate 1. $10 adults, $5 for 11 and under. (727) 824-5443.
Re-enactor groups present a military history event Saturday and Sunday at Fort De Soto Park. The free event will feature battle demonstrations, including several World War II amphibious landing scenarios; weapons displays; living history camps; and local military units displaying vehicles, weapons and equipment. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the park, Pinellas Bayway, past Tierra Verde, southern Pinellas County. (813) 949-7644.
In memorial
The Pinellas Park Memorial Day Ceremony will be at 11 a.m. Saturday. Pinellas Park City Hall, 5141 78th Ave. N. (727) 541-0721. Free.
The annual ceremony at Bay Pines National Cemetery will be at 9 a.m. Monday, 10000 Bay Pines Blvd. N, St. Petersburg. (727) 398-9426.
Ceremonies at the Florida National Cemetery are at 10 a.m. Monday, 6502 SW 102nd Ave., Bushnell. (352) 793-7740.
The Largo Memorial Day Ceremony will be at 7 p.m. Monday at the James S. Miles and Richard A. Leandri Military Court of Honor at Largo Central Park, East Bay Drive and Seminole Boulevard, Largo. (727) 587-6775.
At museums and attractions
The Florida Aquarium unveils "Invaders! Florida's Most Unwanted Species" on Saturday. The pop duo Back II Back performs at 1 p.m Saturday as part of the festivities. The aquarium offers free admission for military personnel and their families Monday with a coupon from Monday's newspaper or the Web site www.flaquarium.net. The aquarium is open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa. (813) 273-4000. Admission: $15 adults, $12 seniors, $10 ages 3-12. The Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) opens "Football: the Exhibit," from the Museum of Discovery in Arkansas on Saturday and presents the Biggest Tailgate Party, with cheerleaders from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tampa Bay Storm, WCAA Cowboys, Brandon Cowboys, entertainment and health screenings, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday. The party is included in admission. MOSI is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 4801 E Fowler Ave., Tampa. (813) 987-6100 or www.mosi.org. Admission: $13.95 adults, $11.95 60 and older, $9.95 2-12. Florida International Museum offers free admission to veterans and active military personnel Saturday through Monday. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. (727) 822-3693 or www.floridamuseum.org. $12 adults, $11 seniors, $6 6-18. Lowry Park Zoo offers free admission for active-duty military personnel and veterans Monday. The zoo also offers $6 admission for all visitors Saturday and Sunday. Regular admission: $9.50 adults, $8.50 50 and older, $5.95 3-11. 1101 W Sligh Ave., Tampa. (813) 935-8552 or www.lowryparkzoo.com. Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.
Back to Weekend
© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111
|
