Memorial Day weekend across the River Region brings tributes and fun

Memorial Day Weekend is just ahead, and the River Region has a variety of ways already announced to honor the sacrifice of our men and women in the armed forces:

FRIDAY, MAY 24

Millbrook Memorial Day Observance

  • When: 10 a.m.

  • Where: Millbrook Memorial Center, 3168 Park Circle, Millbrook

  • Info: Event to honor fallen servicemen and women, presented by city of Millbrook and Millbrook Chamber. Everyone is invited.

2024 Alabama Poppy Project

Guest look at a field of handmade ceramic poppies in Prattville as a part of the Alabama Poppy Project to honor United States Armed Forces.
Guest look at a field of handmade ceramic poppies in Prattville as a part of the Alabama Poppy Project to honor United States Armed Forces.
  • When: Begins at 4 p.m. in Prattville on National Poppy Day

  • Where: Prattville’s downtown historic district

  • Info: Presented by Julianne Hansen Fine Art & Pottery, more than 2,000 handmade ceramic poppies will be on display. Begins with honorary ribbons being tied to the poppies on display. Opening ceremony is at 7:15 p.m. Taps will be played at sundown — approximately 7:45 p.m. Individuals can sponsor a poppy on behalf of a departed loved one who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The display continues through May 30. At the conclusion of the exhibit, poppy sponsors may keep the poppy they selected or choose to donate it back to the event.

Teen Mayfest Carnival

  • When: 4:30-7:30 p.m.

  • Where: McIntyre Community Center, 1249 Hugh St., Montgomery

  • Info: The McIntyre Community Center in conjunction with Army ROTC, Western Hill Neighborhood association, Councilwoman Riley and St. John's Episcopal Church has a Teen Mayfest Carnival planned Friday, May 24 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. This is only for teens aged 13-17. They're invited to have fun with games, free food, a live DJ, a rock climbing wall, carnival-themed snacks and more.

Jubilee Pops Concert

The Montgomery Symphony kicks off the Memorial Day weekend with a free outdoor Jubilee Pops Concert on Friday, May 24, on the steps of the Alabama Archives and History Building in downtown Montgomery.
The Montgomery Symphony kicks off the Memorial Day weekend with a free outdoor Jubilee Pops Concert on Friday, May 24, on the steps of the Alabama Archives and History Building in downtown Montgomery.
  • When: 7 p.m.

  • Where: This outdoor concert is performed from the terrace of the Alabama Department of Archives and History in downtown Montgomery

  • Info: Pack your lawn chairs and picnic baskets and join the Montgomery Symphony Orchesta for a free evening of music to kick-off Memorial Day weekend. Get there early to set up in your favorite spot. Celebrate Memorial Day weekend with music that helps kick off the summer and honors those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.

SATURDAY, MAY 25

Rock the Boat Montgomery All White Boat Ride

The Harriott II riverboat will have a Memorial Day Weekend cruise.
The Harriott II riverboat will have a Memorial Day Weekend cruise.
  • When: Boards 8:30 p.m., departs 9:15 p.m., returns 11:30 p.m.

  • Where: Harriott II Riverboat, docked in Riverfront Park, 255 Commerce St.

  • Info: Event presented by I Am Legaci. Music by the Rock The Boat All Stars. Two cash bars. Food for sale. Attire is preferred to be all white. This is for ages 21 and up.

  • Tickets: First 100 early bird tickets are $49.99, and are available online at rocktheboatmgm.com. Call or text 718-930-3959. No refunds.

SUNDAY, MAY 26

Memorial Day Groove

MONDAY, MAY 27

Montgomery Zoo is open

  • When: Opens 9 a.m., last admission 4 p.m., closes at 5 p.m.

  • Where: 2301 Coliseum Parkway, Montgomery

  • Info: The Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum are open on Memorial Day.  montgomeryzoo.com.

Woodland Creek Memorial Day 5K

  • When: 8 a.m.

  • Where: Woodland Creek Community Center, 8800 Lodge Drive, Pike Road

  • Info: Open to all ages and fitness levels. Proceeds will go to River Region Trails. After registering, pick up packets Saturday, May 25, 10 a.m.- noon and Sunday, May 26, 2-4 p.m. No parking in the parking lot on run day. Please park along Crescent Lodge Drive (in front of the dog park).

  • Cost: $25 now. $35 on May 25, 26 and 27. Kids 4 and under admitted free.

  • Sign up: https://runsignup.com/Race/AL/PikeRoad/WoodlandCreekMemorialDay5kRunWalk

Montgomery Advertiser reporter Shannon Heupel covers things to do in the River Region. Contact him at sheupel@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Memorial Day Weekend in River Region brings honor and fun times