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Best Ways To Celebrate Memorial Day 2017 In Orange County

memorial day parade 610 header
(credit: istockphoto)

Memorial Day means different things to different people. To families with kids, it marks the unofficial beginning of summer and the last long weekend before the kids are out of school for a few months. Here are some of the best events for celebrating Memorial Day with your family.

Laguna Hills Memorial Day Run
(credit: Laguna Hills Memorial Day Run)

Laguna Hills Memorial Day Marathon
Saddleback Memorial Medical Center
24451 Health Center Dr
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
www.lagunahillshalfmarathon.com
Date: May 29, 2017

This year, Memorial Day marks the 19th annual event for the City of Laguna Hills Memorial Day Half Marathon event. The event, which features a 5k, and 10k marathon, will honor the U.S. Marine Corps Dark Horse Battalion and is a favorite event for locals and visitors alike. Taking place in Laguna Hills, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Woods, and Laguna Niguel, it's definitely one even you won't want to miss as it takes over many cities throughout Orange County. Runners and walkers of all skill level and experience are invited to enjoy the activities. With a half marathon (13.1 miles), 5K Run/Walk (3.1 miles), 10K Run/Walk (6.2 miles) and a Kid's Run (1/2 Mile), there is truly an activity for everyone!

carnival
(credit: istockphoto)

Santa Ana Memorial Day Carnival
Centennial Park
3000 W. Edinger Ave.
Santa Ana, CA 92704
www.festivalnet.com
Date: May 26 - 29, 2017

For three days, the Santa Ana Memorial Day Carnival at Centennial Park will take place and delight festivalgoers. As the unofficial beginning of summer, there's no better way to get into summer mode than with a carnival on Memorial Day. The carnival goes all weekend and there will be plenty of activities including rides and games, food booths, live music and much more!

garden grove strawberry festival
(credit: David Smithson)

59th Annual Garden Grove Strawberry Festival
Village Green
S. Euclid St. & Main St.
Garden Grove, CA 92840
(714) 638-0981
www.strawberryfestival.org
Date: May 26 - 29, 2017

For almost 60 years, the city of Garden Grove has held a free festival celebrating the delicious fruit. The festival is celebrated throughout the entire Memorial Day weekend and includes a strawberry festival parade, a strawberry stomp 5K run, a cake cutting ceremony, rides and attractions, and a variety of contests. Thousands turn out every year for this grand event where you'll also get the chance to take part in a 'Strawberry Idol Karaoke Contest' as well as live music and much more!

fireworks
(credit: DonLand/shutterstock)

Knott's Berry Farm Military Days and Memorial Sunday Fireworks
8039 Beach Blvd.
Buena Park, CA
(714) 220-5200
www.knotts.com
Date: May 26 to May 28, 2017 at 10 a.m.

Knott's Berry Farm's fireworks are standard fare on Memorial Day eve when the day finishes up with the fiery spectacular locals have come to expect and to enjoy, with oohs and aahs part of the picture as spectacular explosions hit high in the Southern California sky. But that's only a part of the party as active, veteran and retired members of the United States military are awarded free admission to all the festivities waiting to treat these bona fide American heroes at this top Golden State theme park.

US-ATTACKS-9/11-ANNIVERSARY veteran's day american flag
(credit: JOE KLAMAR/AFP/Getty Images)

Veterans of War Memorial Day Event
Pines Park
34941 Camino Capistrano
Capistrano Beach, CA 92624
(949) 248-7696
www.vfwpost9934.org
Date: May 29, 2017

Dana Point Veterans of War will be presenting their annual Memorial Day event this year on Memorial Day. Held at Pines Park in Capistrano Beach, this special memorial for those fallen soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice will including offering flowers to those who have served and have died in combat. Specifically, the event pays special recognition for World War II and Korean War Veterans, as a part of the events of the National 75th Anniversary Commemoration of WWII.

Veterans Ceremonies
(credit: McNamee/Getty Images)

San Clemente Memorial Day Event
Marine Monument
Park Semper Fi
Avenida Victoria
San Clemente, CA 92672
Date: May 29, 2017

The City of San Clemente will be honoring all branches of the U.S. military, including soldiers and those who have made a sacrifice. You're invited to join in their annual celebration and observance to remember all fallen soldiers of war. The event will feature key note speakers from local leaders, the military, color guards dressed in authentic uniforms, as well as patriotic music, bagpipers, and a floral ceremony.

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