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Memorial Day filled with food, fun and patriotism

Residents can find many ways to celebrate the holiday and honor the nation's military at events around the county.

By SEUNG MIN KIM
Published May 29, 2005

You don't have to choose between recreation and patriotism this Memorial Day. Lots of local groups have both memorial services to remember the nation's fallen, as well as food and fun. Here's a list of what's out there:

A dedication of Veterans' Memorial Walkway in Zephyr Park will be held at noon Monday in Zephyrhills. Veterans are eligible to have a granite brick placed in the walkway as a memorial. The cost is $175, and the proceeds will be used to continue the walkway. The project is sponsored by the city of Zephyrhills, Zephyrhills Noon Rotary Club, Zephyrhills Kiwanis and Zephyrhills Pilot Club. For information, call (813) 788-2155.

An Anchorette picnic featuring cocktails and an all-you-can-eat dinner will start at 3 p.m. today at Gulf Harbors Yacht Club in New Port Richey. Dinner includes hot dogs, hamburgers, fried chicken, baked beans, corn on the cob, salads and ice cream. The cost is $12 for adults, $6 for children ages 6 to 12, and free for children 5 and younger. For more information, call (727) 845-8638.

The public is invited to an indoor picnic on Monday at Father Farrell Council Knights of Columbus Hall in Holiday. Doors will open at noon, and food will be served from 1 to 3 p.m., followed by dancing until 6 p.m. A variety of foods also can be purchased. Admission is $3. For more information, call (727) 934-8025.

The Suncoast Veterans Affiliated Council will host a Memorial Day ceremony Monday at Grace Memorial Gardens in Hudson beginning at 10 a.m. The ceremony will feature a Massing of Colors, a speech and a placement of wreaths by the Gold Star Mothers. Refreshments will be served after the ceremony at Aripeka Elks. For more information, call (727) 847-4184.

The public is welcome to a Memorial Day ceremony hosted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Chester McKay Post 7987 at the post home, 7445 Chester McKay Drive, in New Port Richey. The service will start at noon Monday, and will be followed by a meal with hamburgers, hot dogs, and side dishes. For more information, call (727) 376-3502.

The Donald M. Michels Jr. VFW 6180 at 11551 Osceola Drive in New Port Richey will holds its annual Memorial Day service at the post at 11 a.m. Monday. The picnic will be from 1 to 4 p.m. The menu is barbecue pork, hamburgers, Italian sausages, salads and beans for $6. Music is by Top Notch. For more information, call (727) 863-8824.

The public is invited to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Holiday Post 10167 and its Auxiliary's Memorial Day services at 11 a.m. Monday at 4619 Bartelt Road in Holiday. For more information, call (727) 938-5977.

The Randolph Fords Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7845 will observe Memorial Day with a service at the post home at 6315 Stone Road in Port Richey. Services will begin at 11 a.m. Monday. The guest speakers are state Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, and Joe Gault, the immediate past state commander of Florida. Refreshments will follow the ceremony. For more information, call (727) 847-6277.

The Zephyrhills Police Department will host a monument dedication at 11 a.m. Monday at its office. The ceremony will last about 15 minutes and will include the dedication of the monument provided by Whitfield Funeral Home. For more information, call (813) 780-0050.

The Hudson American Legion Post 335 will host a Memorial Day picnic and service today at 11421 Osceola Drive in New Port Richey and another memorial service on Monday at the Hudson Cemetery. Today's event will begin at noon, and Monday's service will begin at 11 a.m. For more information, call (727) 866-3445.

[Last modified May 29, 2005, 01:05:19]