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Here are some fun ideas and suggestions for ways to spend your Memorial Day Weekend.
1. Go to a local event, show, or exhibit
Check the "Events and Entertainment" page on Utah.com for ideas on events to attend around Utah. Races, art exhibits, games, concerts, sporting events and theatrical performances are all options for you to attend on Memorial Day. Whether it's the Cache Valley Rendezvous, the Run of Remembrance in American Fork, a Salt Lake Bees baseball game in Salt Lake City, your city's Memorial Day celebration or another event at a venue near you, there's something fun for everyone.
2. Honor a fallen soldier
Memorial Day began with the purpose of honoring the soldiers who died during the Civil War. Eventually the holiday expanded to a holiday that now recognizes and honors all of our nation's fallen soldiers. You can read a more detailed description of this on usmemorialday.org. Take the time on Memorial Day to show respect for the men and women who have given their lives in defense of our country. Decorating a soldier's grave or visiting a memorial are great ways to honor the sacrifice of these soldiers.
3. Honor a veteran
Show your respect to our nation's armed forces by volunteering to serve our veterans. The George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs in Salt Lake City has a Web page devoted to volunteers where can find this page and a lengthy list of volunteer opportunities. You can also use your search engine to find one of the many organizations that specialize in using volunteers to write letters to our troops. Consider flying the U.S. flag as well.
4. Have a stay-cation
Skip the holiday traffic and visit your favorite Utah venues. Go to the movie theater, play at a park, swim at your local recreation center, eat at your favorite restaurant, or visit the museum.
For a unique experience, go see the dinosaurs that are roaming through Utah right now and go online for a list of dinosaur exhibits throughout the state. Dinosaur Land in Vernal and Dinosaur Park in Ogden are two options. Hogle Zoo is currently running Zoorassic Park 2. You can learn about the dinosaurs featured there and take pictures with the dinosaur visitors. The dinosaurs come complete with movement, sound and in a couple of cases: spitting water.
5. Teach your family about an ancestor
How many children know the stories of their ancestors? Ask Grandma and Grandpa to tell you the histories of their parents. Get a great aunt's personal history and pictures to learn about her life. Or go visit the cabin that your great, great, great, grandpa built. Whether or not they served in the military, use Memorial Day to keep your ancestors' memories alive.
6. Throw a party, bring a family recipe
For some, Memorial Day is synonymous with barbecue. It's the classic party option for the holiday. This year, make the party extra special and memorial-appropriate by bringing a traditional family dish. Raid Grandma's recipe cards for a meal your family loves. Or find a traditional dish from your ancestor's native country.
Utah.com can help you find more great ideas on how to spend your Memorial Day weekend. Take the time now to plan something fun that will honor the purpose of the holiday.
