Memorial Day is Monday, May 28th. Originally called Decoration Day, the holiday honors members of the military who died in service to their country. Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic and was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873.
Memorial Day also marks the unofficial beginning of summer, and Long Island is loaded with fun and exciting events for the whole family. Here’s a helpful guide to planning your weekend. Enjoy!
2012 Greenport Tall Ships Challenge
Greenport Village
236 Third Street
Greenport, NY
631-477-0248
Memorial Day Weekend
May 26th, 27th & 28th, 2012
Event Times 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
The Tall Ships Challenge: Greenport Village is proud to be a host port for the Tall Ships Challenge Race, a series of sailing races, cruises, crew rallies and maritime festivals organized by Tall Ships America in conjunction with US and Canadian ports on the Pacific and Atlantic Coasts of North America and in the Great Lakes. Greenport will be the second port to host the Tall Ships fleet this year. The sail begins in Savannah, Georgia, races up the East Coast to Greenport, Long Island then to Newport, Rhode Island and Halifax, Nova Scotia. Ticket holders will board the extraordinary sailing vessels and interact with crew members and sailing trainees. People of all ages will thrill at the size and scope of these historic vessels which evoke images of adventures at sea. This is truly a one-of-a-kind experience!
Greenport Village: Activities in Greenport Village will take place within walking distance from the Greenport Train Station. Entertainment, exhibitions and displays will be at Mitchell Park. Merchants and restaurants will create a festival atmosphere offering fine dining and street side refreshments. The Carousel will also be open from 10am – 6pm daily. For more information, visit the Village of Greenport website.
One Day Pass:
Adult (16-64 years) $15
Seniors (65+)/Veterans/Military $10
Child (3-15 years) $5
Child (Under 3 years) Free
One Day Family Package $15
One Day Pass – Additional Child Under Family Package $2.50
Click Here For Tickets
Take the LIRR and Save $10
Valid Saturday & Sunday, May 26 & 27 ONLY
Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach State Park
1 Ocean Parkway
Wantagh, NY
516-785-1600
Saturday, May 26 & Sunday, May 27
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The United States Navy Blue Angels return to perform their precision demonstration over the Atlantic Ocean in front of the shores of Jones Beach, along with the Canadian Forces and Snowbirds and other military and civilian performers. Children and adults alike will enjoy the static displays and various family-oriented activities. Arrive early to secure the best viewing. Visit the Jones Beach Air Show website for more information.
Long Island Mozart Festival 2012
Old Westbury Gardens
71 Old Westbury Road
Old Westbury, NY
516 333-0048
Saturday, May 26, Sunday, May 27, Monday, May 28
Chamber Players Int'l will kick off the festivities Friday evening with a concert of Mozart Masterpieces. Sat/Sun will begin at 11am featuring day-long pre-concert events including children's activities, dance, fencing, tour of the Gardens, lectures, carriage rides, wine tasting, food court and more. The Mainstage concert will feature renowned violinists Anna Rabinova and Dmitri Berlinsky, and the LI Mozart Festival Chamber Orchestra. For more details, visit the Old Westbury Gardens website.
Saturday May 26th:
Chamber Music Concert | 2:30pm
Grammy Nominee Anastasia Khitruk violinist
Renowned pianist Elena Baksht
Mozart and Beethoven Sonatas for Violin and Piano
Sunday May 27th:
The World Youth Alliance United Nations Chamber Orchestra concerts | 1:30pm | 4:00pm
Philip Edward Fisher, piano soloist
Monday May 28th:
Chamber Music Concert | 1:30pm | 4:00pm
Grammy Nominee Anastasia Khitruk violinist
Renowned pianist Elena Baksht
Mozart and Beethoven Sonatas for Violin and Piano
$10.00 - General Lawn Admission
$ 8.00 - Over 62
$ 5.00 - Children 7-17
Free - Children 6 and under
Free - Members
Turtle Walk at Sweetbriar
Sweetbriar Nature Center
62 Eckernkamp Drive
Smithtown, NY
631-979-6344
Saturday, May 26 and Sunday, May 27
9 a.m. – Noon
Join in the annual turtle count. We will locate the Eastern Box Turtles that call Sweetbriar home. The turtles will be examined and tagged and released. There will be a presentation on LI turtles and a turtle craft. Wear long pants and closed toe shoes.
Admission: $5/person for members and scouts, $6/person all others
2012 Memorial Day Commemoration and Fireworks
North Hempstead Beach Park
West Shore Road
Port Washington, NY
516-869-6311
Saturday, May 26, 2012
6:30 p.m.
Parking: $5
The town of North Hempstead presents its annual Memorial Day Weekend tribute to those who died serving our country. Setting the scene for the’ festivities will be the United States Marine Corps Color Guard, the Nassau County Police Pipe Band, the Volunteers of America firing detail and local veterans’ organizations. Live entertainment includes: Beginnings, a tribute to the band Chicago and Early Elton, a tribute to the early years of Sir Elton John. The festivities will culminate with a spectacular fireworks extravaganza launched from barges in the harbor at dusk.
No registration required.
Baldwin Spring Festival
Baldwin Train Station (LIRR)
Sunrise Highway & Grand Avenue
Baldwin, NY
631-724-5966
Saturday, May 26; Sunday, May 27 & Monday, May 28
11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Free Admission
Come browse and shop from a variety of vendors, food and more at the Baldwin Train Station. The event features arts and crafts, gift items and collectibles. Rain or Shine. Sponsored by the Lions Club of Baldwin
Hicksville Memorial Day Parade & Ceremonies
Sears Parking Lot to Hicksville Middle School
Broadway and Jerusalem Avenue
Hicksville, NY
Monday, May 28, 2012
9 a.m.
Free Admission
Parade assembly begins at 8:00am at the Sears South parking area on Broadway with step off at 9:00am. Parade ends at Hicksville Middle School - Jerusalem Ave/4th St. (approx. 10:30am) where ceremonies will begin (about 1 hour). After the ceremonies, you are cordially invited to a collation where refreshments will be served at the VFW Hall, 320 South Broadway Hicksville. Presented by United Veterans of NY.
Parade of American Flags
Heritage Trust Center
633 Mt. Sinai Coram Road
Mount Sinai, NY
631-509-0882
Monday, May 28, 2012
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Avenue of America Committee of the Heritage Trust organized the creation of the Parade of American Flags, a patriotic, symbolic and educational feature that is now part of Heritage Park. Flags of Suffolk County and its ten towns represent our nation’s colonial period. Fifty state, five territory, Washington D.C. and thirty-three Old Glory flags represent the various parts of our nation. The exhibit of the Parade of American Flags can be viewed on Memorial Day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Bay Shore Memorial Day Parade
Lanier Lane and Main Street
Bay Shore, NY
631-665-7003
Monday, May 28, 2012
10 a. m.
Join the residents of Bay Shore in remembering the men and women who fought for our freedom in the Bay Shore Memorial Day Parade.
East Hampton Memorial Day Parade
Mill Pantigo Road & North Main Street
East Hampton, NY
Monday, May 28, 2012
12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Join the residents of East Hampton in honoring our veterans at the East Hampton Memorial Day Parade. For information on this event please contact 324-0362.
Montauk Memorial Day Parade
742 Montauk Highway
Montauk, NY
Sunday, May 27, 2012
631-668-2428
12 p.m. – 1: 30 p.m.
Bring the family to honor our heroes and celebrate our freedom at the Montauk Memorial Day Parade.
Bayville American Legion Memorial Day Parade
34 School Street
Bayville, NY
516-628-1439
12:15 p.m.
The Bayville American Legion Memorial Day Parade is preceded by a short ceremony at the Bayville Village Hall at 12:15 p.m. The parade begins at 1 p.m. and will run north on School Street, east on Bayville Avenue and end at Soundside Beach.