by There is no better place to be in this country than DC over memorial day weekend. With the monuments and history it really makes you cherish the freedom that we have. This weekend is filled with strawberries, events, concerts and memorials.
Delaplane Strawberry Festival – (Saturday & Sunday May 23-24)
You have to go just to see the National Strawberry Eating Championship. The Strawberry Eating Championship is Saturday at 1PM. Just so you know it is sanctioned by the Association of Independent Competitive Eaters. The World Record was set in 2007 by Tom “Goose” Gilbert, 9lbs in 7 Minutes. That is a lot of Strawberries. The two-day festival is heldat Sky Meadows State Park rain or shine. It is only an hour’s drive from Washington DC. The festival offers a ton of family fun including local crafters, hayrides, live entertainment, old-fashioned children’s games, a bake sale, petting farm, fresh strawberries and as listed above competitive eating. The festival is open from 10am to 5pm.Â
Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally – (Sunday, May 24)
Every year thousands of bikers fill the streets of dc with a thundering roar. The Rally starts at the pentagon at 8am Sunday the 24th. The bikes travel across memorial bridge, drive past the vietnam memorial, travel down constitution to 3rd Street and then back down past the National Mall and park in West Potomac Park. After the rally there are speakers and bands performing on a stage in front of the reflecting pool. Last year I went down there and it was a sight. I wish I would have brought ear plugs but it is worth it to see the Rally. The speakers and bands hit the stage around 1PM.
PBS National Memorial Day Concert – (Sunday, May 24)
Starting at 8PM on the west lawn of the capital, PBS sponsors a free Concert in memory of our fallen heros. This year features Denyce Graves, Trace Adkins and Katharine McPhee. The concert is hosted by Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna.
National Memorial Day Parade – (Monday, May 25)
The parade starts at 2PM and travels from Constitution and 7th St. NW to Constitution and 17th St. NW. The parade features bands, groups and military units. There are also celebrities and vetrans of foreign wars. It is a must if you haven’t been to DC for a Memorial Day. While on constitution don’t forget to a half-smoke from one of the street vendors. They are delicious.
We are supposed to have excellent weather this weekend so don’t stay indoors. Go out and have fun, eat some strawberries.
-Rex
