Memorial Day observances, celebrations in Northwest Florida: Here's what's planned
FORT WALTON BEACH — These are Memorial Day observances and events planned in our area.
May 28
HarborWalk Village
The Memorial Day Weekend Celebration by HarborWalk and the Emerald Grande is May 28-30 at the venue, 34 Harbor Blvd., Destin.
The schedule is: 7-9 p.m. May 28, Flash Flood; 6:45 p.m. May 28, Vintage Air Show; 7 p.m. Andy Velo; 9 p.m. fireworks and fire spinning by Autumn Lyfe; May 30, Silent Disco Party. There is a $10 on-site parking fee. The outdoor, open-air venue allows and encourages guests to follow CDC guidelines in regard to wearing masks and social distancing.
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Baytowne Wharf
The Village of Baytowne Wharf's Memorial Day Celebration kicks off 7 p.m. Saturday, May 28 at the village, 9300 Emerald Coast Parkway, Miramar Beach. It begins at 6 p.m. Sunday, there will be kid-friendly activities and a 9 p.m. fireworks show.The free event includes live music by the Forrest Williams Band on Saturday, and Jarred McConnell and The High Aces on Sunday.
May 30
Eglin Air Force Base
Eglin's 35th annual Gate to Gate Memorial Day Run/Walk is scheduled from 7 a.m. to noon May 30 on base. Cost is $45 for late registration through May 24, and $55 the day of the event. Registration is 5-6 a.m. May 30 for those with base access. Cash will not be accepted.
Celebrate one of Northwest Florida's greatest traditions at Eglin's 35th annual Gate to Gate Memorial Day Run/Walk. This competitive race is open to members of the general public of all ages.
Registered participants may pick up their race packets from different locations on select dates before the race. Packets will be available at the Air Force Armament Museum on Wednesday, May 25; and at the Run With It store (downtown Fort Walton Beach) on Saturday, May 28.
Packet pick-up hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at all locations. Packets will also be available on race day from 5 to 6 a.m. at Unity Park. A photo ID is required to pick up race packets.
On race day, non-DoD participants must enter through the West Gate on Highway 189 near the Air Force Armament Museum. All participants must be in place at the start line by 6:30 a.m. at the corner of Chinquapin Drive and Eglin Boulevard. Following the race, everyone is invited to enjoy an after-party at Unity Park featuring free food and refreshments, as well as award presentations for top finishers in a variety of age categories.
Also, a free kids' run will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the race start line, with T-shirts for all participants and awards for winners! Registration is not required for the kids' run.
Niceville
The Black Rifle Coffee Company will host a Memorial Day workout in honor of 7th Special Forces Master Sgt. Luis F. DeLeon-Figueroa, 31, who was killed in combat in Afghanistan in August of 2019.
The workout, created and named "The Lu" in DeLeon-Figueroa's honor, is 8 a.m. May 30 at the BRCC, 510 W John Sims Pkwy No. 101, Niceville.
Tickets start at $15 on Eventbrite.com, https://bit.ly/3GdhOBr. Proceeds will go to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.
Crestview
AmVets Post No. 35 will host a Memorial Day ceremony 10-11 a.m. May 30 at the Veterans Memorial Wall on Main Street in Crestview.
Fort Walton Beach
The city of Fort Walton Beach and the Veterans Tribute Tower Committee are pleased to host the annual Memorial Day Ceremony 10-11 a.m. May 30 at Beal Memorial Cemetery, 316 Beal Parkway NW, Fort Walton Beach. This year's event has been shortened to an hour-long cemetery to avoid extreme midday heat.
The guest speaker is 96th Test Wing Commander Brigadier General Scott Cain. He will be joined at the ceremony by:
7th Special Forces Group Commander Colonel Kevin Trujillo.
505th Command and Control Wing Commander Colonel Frederick Coleman.
Florida State Representative and retired Brigadier General Patt Maney.
Florida Veterans Hall of Fame Member Dr. Dave Goetsch.
West Point Society of Northwest Florida Dr. Chuck Merkel.
Commander of American Legion Post 235 Terry James Jenrich.
Gregg Chapel AME Reverend Cecil Williams.
During the traditional salute to our veterans and fallen comrades, guests and organizations are invited to place a fresh flower in the Community Wreath and render appropriate honors.
The inclement weather fallback site will be the American Legion Post 235, 105 Hollywood Blvd. NW, Fort Walton Beach.
For more information, call Tom Rice at 850-302-0266.
Santa Rosa Beach
The Historic Gulf Cemetery will host its annual Memorial Day ceremony at 10 a.m. sharp on Monday, May 30 at 1466 S. County Highway 393, Santa Rosa Beach.
Army Staff Sergeant Aaron Hale will be the keynote speaker. Learn more about his extraordinary journey from expert EOD Technician to business owner. Approximately 150 veterans are interred in the cemetery and will be honored in the service.
Attendees are encouraged to bring umbrellas and/or personal lawn chairs. A limited number of folding chairs will be provided. This ceremony is a wonderful opportunity for the entire family to join in a dignified, respectful, and patriotic tribute to the men and women who served our country in the Armed Forces and paid the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.
This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: Northwest Florida Memorial Day events, observances are scheduled
